UK Home Office Minister Resigns as His Recovery From Lung Cancer 'Taking Longer Than anticipated'
July 8, 2021, 2:52 am

UK Home Office Minister Resigns as His Recovery From Lung Cancer 'Taking Longer Than anticipated'

According to the Sky News, James Brokenshire has resigned as Home Office minister stating his recovery from lung cancer is "taking longer than expected".

Mr Brokenshire, who looks after the department's security brief, said standing down from his position will enable him to focus on his health.

Sky News reported that the MP had his right lung removed as part of his treatment in February this year.

In a letter to the prime minister published on Wednesday, Mr Brokenshire said: "Throughout this period I have received outstanding treatment from our NHS at a time when it has been under such additional strain due to the pandemic.

"The people who work within it are truly amazing and the care I have received from Guy's and St Thomas's has been second to none.

"My recovery from treatment and return to full duties is, however, taking longer than anticipated.

"Given my responsibilities to the public, the government and to parliament, I have therefore concluded that it is best that I stand down from my ministerial role and focus on restoring my health."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson replied to his resignation letter, saiying he looks forward to welcoming Mr Brokenshire back "as soon as possible".

The Conservative MP also thanked Home Secretary Priti Patel for her support and said he hopes "to be able to serve again in some way in the future".

Mr Brokenshire was first diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018 after he coughed up a spot of blood during an event at Hillsborough Castle as Northern Ireland secretary.

He subsequently stepped down from his Cabinet role to undergo treatment.

After getting the all clear, he was appointed by Boris Johnson to the Home Office in February 2020.

However, the Old Bexley and Sidcup MP stepped back from his government role in January 2021 after discovering his lung cancer had returned.

Since his diagnosis, the 53-year-old father-of-three has called for an end to the stigma surrounding lung cancer.

Mr Brokenshire, who has never smoked, also admitted that his diagnoses has taken him to "dark places" and that the support of his family had been invaluable.

In response, Mr Johnson said he is "very sorry" to see Mr Brokenshire step back from his public duties.

He added that he fully supports the former minister's decision to focus on his recovery.

"In all your roles you have shown tireless dedication to improving the lives of others, particularly addressing some of the most challenging issues that face us as a country," the PM said in a letter.

"I understand entirely your need to step down from your role but look forward to welcoming you back as soon as possible."

In a handwritten note added to the bottom of the letter, Mr Johnson adds his best wishes "for a speedy return to full health".

Source: skynews

Image source: skynews

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.