In a devastating terrorist attack targeting a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach, the confirmed death toll is at least 12 people, including one of the gunmen. Two assailants opened fire on Sunday evening; one was fatally shot by police, and the second was arrested but is in critical condition. At least 29 people were injured, including two police officers. Authorities have declared the antisemitic mass shooting a terrorist incident, and police are investigating a possible third attacker and have removed suspected improvised explosive devices found in a vehicle belonging to one of the shooters.

Police Scotland's latest advice for the public to "remain alert but not alarmed" is a response to an antisemitic terrorist attack that occurred at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia. This follows an earlier alert from October 2025 after a synagogue attack in Manchester, England, which led to a general uplift in security for the Jewish High Holy Days.

Here are the key points from Police Scotland's most recent statements:

• Increased Patrols: Police Scotland officers are already conducting additional and dedicated patrols around synagogues and other Jewish venues as part of their existing policing plan for Hanukkah. 

• No Specific Threat in Scotland: Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson confirmed there is no intelligence to suggest any specific threat in Scotland following the Bondi Beach attack. 

• Community Engagement: Police are actively communicating with faith leaders and community leaders. 

• Public Vigilance: The public is asked to "remain alert but not alarmed," to be vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to Police Scotland.

Other police forces across the UK, including the Metropolitan Police, have also announced increased patrols and security measures around Jewish communities following the events in Sydney.

Students from Ghana at UK universities say they are in danger of being deported after being stranded by their own government without promised scholarships or tuition fee payments. The group representing more than 100 doctoral students has petitioned Downing Street and Keir Starmer asking for help to persuade the Ghanaian government to pay the backlog of tuition fees and living allowances running into millions of pounds.

The petition sent to Downing Street says the funding crisis “is so severe that some colleagues are now facing court cases over unpaid rent. To survive, some have had to depend on food banks because they have no money to feed themselves.”

The students affected are at institutions spread across Britain, including University College London, Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen and the universities of Nottingham, Bradford, Warwick, Lincoln and Liverpool.

• Read more on The Guardian website

At least 12 people have died in Australia after a shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday, which authorities have said was a terrorist attack against the Jewish community. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed in a press conference that one of the gunmen was dead, and another was in custody. Police said earlier on Sunday that the second shooter was in critical condition after being injured. A total of 29 people were injured, including two police officers, according to the last update from authorities on Sunday. New South Wales Police have said the number of casualties is expected to change as the operation continues. Police added that they had found what they believe to be several improvised explosive devices in a car nearby, and bomb disposal units are working to make them safe. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that the deceased offender had been known to the authorities, but there had been no "specific threat".

1. Details of the Report and the Warning

The warning about "millions" originated from an analysis that found a large segment of the population is legally vulnerable to having their citizenship revoked.

• The Estimated Figure (The "Millions"):

  • Analysis by the New Statesman (December 2021) estimated that nearly six million people in England and Wales could be eligible for deprivation of citizenship.

  • This vulnerability applies to any British citizen who is, or is considered to be, eligible for citizenship in another country (e.g., through birthright or descent).

• The Disproportionate Impact on Muslims:

  • Reports argue that the powers are implemented almost exclusively against British Muslims, particularly those of South Asian, Middle Eastern, or North African heritage.

  • The Muslim Census noted that while Muslims are approximately 5 percent of the UK population, they represent over a quarter of the 5.6 million people identified as potentially eligible for citizenship deprivation.

  • The key criticism is that these laws create a two-tiered system of citizenship, where citizens of minority ethnic backgrounds have a "second-class, disposable, contingent citizenship."

The extended powers under the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 have far-reaching consequences, particularly for minority communities:

1. "Second-Class" Citizenship Status

• Detail: Critics argue the legislation signals that minority citizens are not considered "true" citizens in the same way as those with only British nationality.

• Impact: Reduces their citizenship to a privilege that can be revoked rather than an absolute right, fundamentally altering their legal standing.

2. Risk of Exile and Difficulty of Appeal

• Detail: Deprivation orders are often served when individuals are overseas.

• Impact: This effectively exiles them and makes it extremely difficult to access legal aid, contest the decision, or return to the UK for their appeal hearing.

3. Mental and Community Impact

• Detail: The persistent, existential threat of losing citizenship has an immediate effect on vulnerable communities.

• Impact: It has been linked to increased fear, anxiety, a feeling of alienation, and prompting some individuals to consider leaving the country.

4. Legal Precedent (The 2025 Act)

• Detail: The Deprivation of Citizenship Orders (Effect during Appeal) Act 2025 states that a citizen's status is not automatically restored, even if they win their initial appeal.

• Impact: The individual's life remains in limbo. They can be detained or barred from re-entry while the Home Office pursues further legal challenges, extending the period of legal uncertainty.