In 2024, UK asylum claims reached a record high since 2002, with 108,138 people seeking asylum – a significant increase from 2023. The government faces pressure to reduce the asylum decision backlog, with 90,686 cases pending by the end of 2024. The UK is also seeing more people sent to immigration detention and increased enforced returns, while new citizenship rules aim to deter illegal entry.
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Gas project extension will need to meet net-zero
SummaryWoodside's North West Shelf gas project has been approved by the Albanese government to operate until 2070, but must comply with the safeguard mechanism to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Energy Minister Chris Bowen confirmed that all facilities under this mechanism, including Woodside's, are legally required to develop a pathway to net-zero emissions, despite potential controversies regarding gas project approvals and their impact on Australia's climate commitments. Bowen emphasized Australia's ongoing goal to reduce emissions...
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