In June 2010 the UK government announced plans to introduce compulsory English language tests for all non-European migrants applying to come to the UK to join or marry their settled partner.

These plans will be implemented from 29 November 2010. From this date, any migrant who wants to enter or remain in the UK as the partner of a British citizen or a person settled here will need to show that they can speak and understand English, by taking an English language test with one of our approved test providers.

Today we have published a list of approved test providers.

For further information on these changes and to view the list of approved providers please see the Guidance for applicants on English language requirement for partners.

The new awards programme was established by the IFSD Partnership to recognise the  wealth of financial services talent graduating from Glasgow’s four universities.

Yu-Hao took a year out from his job at Deloitte & Touche in Taiwan to achieve a grade A Masters in International Accounting and International Financial Accounting at the University of Glasgow.

The three other award winners were graduates from the University of Strathclyde, the University of the West of Scotland and Glasgow Caledonian University.

Jim Watson, director of financial services, Scottish Enterprise who presented the awards to the students on behalf of Glasgow’s IFSD said, “These awards recognise the great work being done by the universities in Glasgow and the relationships they have with the financial services sector to ensure a steady pipeline of well qualified graduates to work in the industry. And, the awards also recognise the breadth and depth of talent graduating from these universities which is, we believe, very reassuring for existing financial services companies in the city and prospective inward investors.”

Date & Time: 24 August 2010 at 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm

In this even, organised by Chinese for Labour Group, Rt Hon David
Miliband MP, Shadow Foreign Secretary and Labour Party Leadership candidate will speak on UK’s relationship with China, the importance of this relationship and why the coalition government is wrong in its approach. He values the importance of the Chinese community’s contribution to UK, and if elected as leader of the Labour Party will work closely with the community to ensure their voice is heard. He is confident that the first MP of Chinese origin in Britain will be under a Labour Party banner and is determined to build a broad and deep Chinese representation starting in local government and then getting candidates to run for winnable seats in Westminster elections.

The event is free and open to all. Contact info@chineseforlabour.org for more details.

New Beijing
Chen Hongzhu – Liu Guangguang
23 September – 21 October 2010
354 Upper St – Islington – London N1 0PD
T: 020 7226 3300 / INFO@SESAMEART.COM / www.sesameart.com
Open Tuesday - Saturday, 11-6:30 or by appointment

What is it like to grow up in the China of today - to come of age at the same time as your country steps forward as a major world superpower? Being a young adult in China now means being exposed to choices and lifestyles that your parents never dreamt of. It means being influenced by Western culture - and by Western values. It also means that you, and all your friends, are the product of the one child policy: a generation of only children, facing a world of change and uncertainty.

New Beijing takes a snapshot of this New World Order through two young artists at the cutting edge of this post-80s generation: Chen Hongzhu and Liu Guanguang. These painters explore issues that are changing the shape of the Chinese contemporary art market, and as
such the show gives a unique insight into the shifting of the sands in this most exciting of art scenes.

Chen Hongzhu is one of the New Generation of Chinese women. Confident and rebellious, she graduated from the prestigious Central Academy of Fine Arts, and her work has already been picked up by the Chinese contemporary uber-collector Uli Sigg. Influenced by
American painters such as Mark Ryden and John Currin, her zoomorphic self-portraits meld surrealism with self-examination. They depict seemingly perfect porcelain dolls that are nevertheless damaged & fragile, the cuts and dripping blood on the otherwise pristine bunnies hinting at traumas faced and survived. Her paintings suggest a tragedy in beauty, a disappointed innocence, but also a steely determination – disillusionment, yes, but also a persistence to carry on.

Liu Guangguang’s paintings depict young Chinese who dress up in animal suits and costumes, playing with identities but still disjointed and unsettled. Dazed and confused, his subjects stare out at the viewer as if gazing into the void. At every turn they find themselves in cold, stark environments that offer little in the way of comfort or homeliness.

It is as if choice in identities has only served to create an atmosphere of uncertainty and insecurity for his lone, lost adolescents. Liu draws a distinct parallel between the experience of coming-of-age as a young adult, and the current condition of Chinese youth society, coming to terms with its new, more open position in the global order and
attempting to find some means of orientation. Liu Guangguang is a graduate of Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts.

Both artists address the themes of how Chinese youth grapple with an open consumer society – with choice, options, expendable cash and pop culture… all the trappings that were unknown to their parents’ generation. In their stark portraits of fractured innocence, it is as if the optimism of pop is corrupted by the pressure to make life choices without any guidance or values. Unlike their predecessors, these Chinese paintings are less about politics, and more about individualism – an exploration of how Western values take root in a communist context. The previous generation of Chinese artists defined their vulnerability in opposition to the state; this post-80s generation looks to the expanse of “choice” that the New World Order has delivered, and the sea of uncertainty that it has placed them in.

More info and images: James Freeman: 07790 244 176 / info@sesameart.com

Following an earlier announcement by the UK Home Secretary, Theresa May, two important changes have come into effect for Tier 1 (General) applicants today, 19 July 2010.

* An interim limit on the number of visas that will be issued to Tier 1(General) applicants between 19 July 2010 and 31 March 2011.
* The number of points required for a Tier 1 (General) applicant has been increased from 95 to 100.

For further information please see the Immigration limit for Tier 1 (General) of the point- based system page on the main UK Border Agency website.

The interim limit will also apply to some Tier 2 applications, please see the Immigration limit for Tier 2 (General) of the point- based system page on the main UK Border Agency website.

UK Pavilion has won Royal Institute of British Architects’ Lubetkin Prize.

The UK Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo 2010 has scooped the prestigious RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects’) Lubetkin Prize for the most outstanding work of architecture outside the European Union by a RIBA member.

The stunning Pavilion, one of the visitors’ favourites at the Expo, was designed by Heatherwick Studio, built by Mace and was chosen to represent the UK at Expo by a panel which included the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as the lead Government department.

The award marks two months of success for the Pavilion – with two million visitors flocking to see it, and many visits from international figures such as Chinese and international politicians, global business leaders and celebrities.

The Seed Cathedral sits in the centre of the UK Pavilion’s site, 20 metres in height, formed from 60,000 slender transparent rods, each 7.5 metres long and each encasing one or more seeds at its tip. During the day, the rods act as optic fibres and draw daylight inwards to illuminate the interior. At night, light sources inside each rod allow the whole structure to glow. As the wind moves past, the building and its optic “hairs” gently move to create a dynamic effect. The seeds have been sourced from China’s Kunming Institute of Botany, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank partnership.

Jeremy Browne, Minister for the Expo at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said:

“It is outstanding that the UK Pavilion has won the RIBA Lubetkin Prize. It is an amazing building which has shown the world the modern, creative and innovative face of the UK. I am very pleased to see the Pavilion recognised in this way.”

Thomas Heatherwick, designer of the UK Pavilion, said:

“It has been an honour to represent the UK at the largest ever world Expo. From conception to completion, this has been an extraordinary project for the studio and the whole project team. It is an incredible source of pride for everybody involved to have received such a prestigious award.”

The UK Pavilion has also been nominated for a British Construction Industry award, which will be announced in October.

The move is part of a coalition government commitment to scale back net migration to the levels of the 1990s – meaning tens of thousands of people entering the country, rather than hundreds of thousands.

A consultation will help determine the details of the permanent limit. In the meantime, an interim limit will be imposed from next month.

The number of skilled people without a job offer (Tier 1 highly skilled worker visa) entering the country under the government’s points system will be held at 5,400 for an interim period. The pass mark for eligibility will rise by five points from 95 to 100.

Meanwhile, the number of migrants allowed to enter the country with a job offer (Tier 2 skilled worker visa) will be reduced by 1,300, and set at a limit of 18,700.

The Home Secrectary Theresa May said: ‘This government believes that Britain can benefit from migration but not uncontrolled migration. I recognise the importance of attracting the brightest and the best to ensure strong economic growth, but unlimited migration places unacceptable pressure on public services.

‘While we consult on our tough new limit, it’s important we have an interim measure to avoid a ‘closing down sale’ for migrants, and to ensure that the number of work visas issued stays below 2009 levels.

‘The government will also introduce measures to support British people. Alongside limits will be action to get Britain back to work and provide business with the skills they need from the resident workforce – reducing the need for migrants at the same time as we reduce their number.’

Details of the final limit will be agreed following a 12-week consultation with business which begins today.

The Home Secretary has also asked the Migration Advisory Committee, the government’s independent adviser on migration issues, to launch a separate consultation. This will take into account social and economic impacts.

This will pave the way for fundamental changes to the way in which workers from outside the EU will be chosen to come and work in the UK.

Ambassador Liu Xiaoming has been active in strengthening the relationship between China and the UK, meeting a number of Cabinet  and other Ministers since he took up his position in March this year.

Baroness Warsi told the Ambassador that Britain welcomed the growth of China, and hoped it would play a bigger role on the international stage. They discussed our shared objectives at the upcoming G20 Summit in Toronto (26-27 June), which the Prime Minister and President Hu would both attend.

They also discussed the Shanghai Expo, in particular the UK Pavilion, where visitor numbers are currently close to four million, making it the second most-visited national Pavilion.

Baroness Warsi, Minister without Portfolio in the Cabinet Office, said:

“I was delighted to meet with Ambassador Lui today to reiterate the
value that Britain and the new Government places on its relationship
with China. I look forward to working with Ambassador Lui to build
increasingly strong links between the two countries and to develop our
partnership on the international stage.”

A statement from Merlene Emerson, Lib Dem Candidate for Hammersmith. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries.

“I have very much enjoyed standing for Parliament in the marginal seat of Hammersmith. Due to the great battle between the two major parties, many voters resorted to tactical voting on the day and my vote was squeezed. Nevertheless I managed a respectable 16% share of the votes and provided residents of Hammersmith with the hope of a different future.

“The Liberal Democrats are now the most reformist and progressive party and will continue to play an important role in UK politics. With a hung or balanced Parliament we have a large influence on which Party will form the next Government.

“At the personal level, I am pleased that my involvement in politics has provided inspiration to others especially young people to become more engaged. Voter turn out was higher in these elections and there was a marked increase in the number of Chinese voters.

“I would like to thank the BC Project for all the support that they had given my campaign and we have certainly made history together in raising awareness within the Chinese community in the UK about the importance of the vote and that they can be part of the whole political process.”

“As for the future, I will probably continue with my political campaigning and intend to stand in the London Assembly elections in 2012. But for the moment, my husband and children are enjoying having more of me at home!”

My Journey throughout China
—DONG Yi in Banqueting House Zheng Recital

International Classical Chinese Zheng Performer DONG Yi is giving a public recital called My Journey throughout China between 7pm and 8:30pm, 24 May 2010 (Monday) in the Banqueting House (address: Banqueting House, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2ER). This is also the opening event of 2010 Glamour of Jasmine Chinese Arts Festival.

Concert Information

Programme: Fragrant Jasmine, Flowers, Dancing Bells, Melody of Han River, Late at Night, Princess Wencheng, Moonrise and Spring Dawn on Snowy Mountain.

Ticket：£25 (buffet included)

Box Office：+44-(0)20 3166 6153, valerie.jarvis@hrp.org.uk or www.concert-diary.info

As the most popular Chinese national instrument over the world, the zheng (also known as the gu-zheng and the Chinese zither) is one of the oldest Chinese string instruments with a history of at least 2,500 years. This concert takes us on a journey of the spirit throughout China and features representative works from various schools of traditional and contemporary Chinese zheng, such as the Schools of Zhejiang, Shaanxi, Shandong, Henan and pieces recomposed from Tibetan folk dances and songs as well as excerpt from Beijing opera Late at Night. This ‘expo of Chinese zheng music’ includes not only compositions that date back to some 1,400 years ago such as Moonrise but also recently premiered new works, say Fragrant Jasmine, zheng concerto Princess Wencheng and so on.

The concert venue Banqueting House was a part of the Whitehall Palace, which was the principal London residence of the British Sovereign from the days of Henry VIII in the first half of 16th Century to the year of 1698. The Big Fire in 1698 destroyed most of the Whitehall Palace. One of the only buildings to survive was the Banqueting House. After that, chequered history being used as a Chapel Royal for over 200 years and then becoming the Museum of he Royal United Services Institute. In 1962 the Museum was disbanded and the building was opened for the public to visit, and international-standard concerts of solo and duet performances and chamber music are held on irregular basis.

One of the historic treasures audience would admire is the original nine canvasses painted by Peter Paul Rubens upon the commission by Charles I during his visit to Britain as a Cultural Ambassador of Spain. As a part of the tradition of all concerts in Banqueting House, an English buffet will be held in the Undercorft after the 90-minutes performance. Therefore, the audience will enjoy a feast of western classical architecture, fine art, classical music on Chinese instrument and British food and drink.

The 27-year old performer of this concert, DONG Yi, is the most celebrated international soloist of any Chinese national musical instrument of her generation and the first Chinese national soloist to give public recitals in The Great Hall of the People in Beijing, the British Museum and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s London residence, Cadogan Hall. She has been the youngest ever member of Chinese Musicians’ Association since aged 21 and holds a directorship at the Academy of Chinese National Instruments and membership at UK Musicians’ Union, etc. She has been striving for friendly communications and creative collaborations between people from the east and the west and has been bridging the hearts and minds of Chinese and European audiences with her music since she came to the UK as an overseas student in 2001. Since the age of 13, she won many national and international prizes, to name but a few, the Audience’s Favourite Performer in the 2003 International Music Day Scotland，the Best Music Art Film Award and the only New Generation Award of the Committee in 21st Century Budapest International MTV Art Festival. Her acclaimed two 2003 symphonic zheng recitals are considered to be the first ever whole-concert illustration of the collaboration of zheng and a western-style symphony orchestra. The public performance record for The Great Hall of the People in Beijing was rewritten by her in 2007.

Fusing Chinese and western instruments and techniques, her symphonic recital there was the first ever recital on a Chinese national musical instrument and the first ever recital by a female instrumentalist in this most distinguished venue in China. DONG Yi has premiered several works for zheng and western instruments and has been highly recommended and guided by British music masters such as Isobel Mieras, Eddie McGuire, Jim Ferguson, Vasko Vasseliv and Pamela Nicholson, some of whom have worked with her regularly. Besides several special topic interviews by BBC World Service since 2002, her public activities in Europe include initiating the Charity Gala Concert for 2008 Sichuan Earthquakes with participants from all walks of overseas Chinese life and many western friends in Scotland and North Ireland, facilitating the establishment of the first Confucius Institute in Scotland with several suggestions for its cultural strategies, and recording the Chinese audio guide for the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh. Two Scottish First Ministers, Jack McConnell and Alex Salmond, listened to her solo performances. XIE Hang-sheng, the Chinese Ambassador in Denmark, personally hosted her joint-recital with a Danish percussionist in Copenhagen December 2009. GUO Gui-fang, former Consul General of China in Edinburgh praises DONG Yi as ‘a brilliant non-governmental cultural ambassador with outstanding talents, righteous personal quality and cheerful spirits’. She has been recently nominated and shortlisted as one of the 30 candidates for the Big Ben Award & UK Ten Outstanding Chinese Young Persons, a prestigious international prize for professionals of all walks of Chinese in Britain aged between 16 and 40.