Embrace a kaleidoscope of cultures with eight new tours of Europe from small group tour specialist, Rabbie’s. The three- and four-day tours offer round-trip adventures from continental hotspots Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Milan and Rome.The new Rabbie’s Europe tours begin in September 2024 and are available to book now.
Rabbie’s specialises in small group tours guided by storytellers to ensure the journeys and experiences live longer in travellers’ minds. In Europe, guests can look forward to making memories as they sample Mediterranean cuisines, take in Alpine vistas, follow the footsteps of Renaissance masters, practice flamenco and much more.
An ideal addition to any Europe holiday or a rich city break alternative, the new 2024 Europe tours include:
Rabbie’s three-day Masterpieces and Vistas: A Journey Through Tuscany tour
Guests can marvel at the finest collection of Italian Renaissance art and architecture in Florence, sip a glass of vino or two in Tuscany, or sit and watch as the world goes by at one of Italy’s loveliest squares, Piazza del Campo in Siena. Enjoy Orvieto, aquintessential Italian town perched on a volcanic plug, and wander around Pienza, the home of Pecorino Cheese, stunning Renaissance architecture and incredible Tuscan views.
This tour departs from Rome, and costs from €1,109 per adult.
Rabbie’s three-day Flavours of Catalonia tour
On this tour, travellers can explore Girona, a medieval walled city filled with incredible cuisine and stunning architecture, as well as feel the serenity of the old Benedictine priory perched on the slope of a magnificent mountain with a visit to Montserrat Monastery. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Sitges with its great fresh seafood and impeccable views, then wind down with a visit to the charming coastal town of Cadaqués.
This tour departs from Barcelona, and costs from €919 per adult.
Rabbie’s three-day Summits and Shores: Vesuvius, Pompeii and Amalfi tour
Holidaymakers can stroll through Pompeii, the city that froze in time, and hike to the crater of the infamous Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that reshaped the ancient world. Wonder at the pastel-coloured houses, steep cliffs, azure seas and lemon groves of the glamorous Amalfi Coast before admiring Montecassino Abbey, dramatically perched atop a mountain, the working monastery and pilgrimage site is a centre of art, culture and learning.
This tour departs from Rome, and costs from €889 per adult.
Rabbie’s Europe tours avoid the crowds and let guests enjoy the true soul of the continent. Travelling on mini-coaches with an expert driver and guide, holidaymakers stay in hand-picked travel accommodation, choose the attractions they pay for, support local communities, and go beyond the guidebooks.
Prices are for the tour only and, to offer complete flexibility, do not include flights, accommodation, attractions or dining.
For more information about Rabbie’s small-group tours in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Switzerland and to book, visit www.rabbies.com.
Healing the Rift: UK to associate to Horizon Europe and Copernicus programmes in new agreement with the EU
UK to associate to Horizon Europe and Copernicus programmes through a bespoke new agreement with the EU.
Prime Minister secured improved financial terms of association that are right for the UK and protect the taxpayer.
British scientists encouraged to apply now for grants and projects with certainty.
UK confirms it will take forward its own fusion energy strategy instead of associating with the Euratom programme.
UK scientists will have access to the world’s largest research collaboration programme, Horizon Europe, as the Prime Minister secures a bespoke deal with improved financial terms for the UK’s participation.
From today (Thursday 7 September), UK researchers can apply for grants and bid to take part in projects under the Horizon programme, with certainty that the UK will be participating as a fully associated member for the remaining life of the programme to 2027.
Once adopted, the UK will also be able to join the governance of EU programmes – which the UK has been excluded from over the last three years – ensuring we can shape collaboration taking place next year. And UK researchers will be able to lead consortia in the next work programme of Horizon Europe projects.
Horizon will give UK companies and research institutions unrivalled opportunities to lead global work to develop new technologies and research projects, in areas from health to AI. This will not only open up cooperation with the EU, but also Norway, New Zealand and Israel which are part of the programme – and countries like Korea and Canada which are looking to join too.
This follows a call between the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen yesterday (6 September). They are encouraging UK scientists to apply with confidence from today and they agreed that the UK and EU will work together to boost participation.
As part of the new deal negotiated over the last six months, the Prime Minister has secured improved financial terms of association to Horizon Europe that are right for the UK – increasing the benefits to UK scientists, value for money for the UK taxpayer, and mitigating the impact that the EU’s delays to our association will have on participation rates of researchers.
The UK will also associate to Copernicus, the European Earth Observation programme. This will provide the UK’s earth observation sector with access to unique data – valuable to helping with early flood and fire warnings, for example – and with the ability to bid for contracts, which they haven’t been able to access for three years.
In line with the preferences of the UK fusion sector, the UK has decided to pursue a domestic fusion energy strategy instead of associating to the EU’s Euratom programme. This will involve close international collaboration, including with European partners, and a new, cutting-edge alternative programme, backed by up to £650m to 2027. It will ensure UK taxpayer funding is spent in the UK’s best interests.
Together, this deal is set to create and support thousands of new jobs as part of the next generation of research talent. It will help deliver the Prime Minister’s ambition to grow the economy and cement the UK as a science and technology superpower by 2030.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: Innovation has long been the foundation for prosperity in the UK, from the breakthroughs improving healthcare to the technological advances growing our economy.
“With a wealth of expertise and experience to bring to the global stage, we have delivered a deal that enables UK scientists to confidently take part in the world’s largest research collaboration programme – Horizon Europe.
“We have worked with our EU partners to make sure that this is right deal for the UK, unlocking unparalleled research opportunities, and also the right deal for British taxpayers.”
New financial protections for the British taxpayer, especially in the first years of association when UK scientists’ participation will be recovering, ensures:
UK taxpayers will not pay for the time where UK researchers have been excluded from since 2021, with costs starting from January 2024 – delivering much better terms for 2023. This will also provide breathing space to boost the participation of UK researchers in open calls for grants before we start paying into the programme.
The UK will have a new automatic clawback that protects the UK as participation recovers from the effects of the last two and a half years. It means the UK will be compensated should UK scientists receive significantly less money than the UK puts into the programme. This wasn’t the case under the original terms of association.
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle Donelan said: “Today is a fantastic day for UK science and our whole economy. We have listened to the sector, and through hard work and negotiation we have secured an excellent deal for researchers, taxpayers and businesses.
“The Horizon programme is unrivalled in its scope and opens up a world of opportunity for cooperation on science that delivers real-world benefits for the UK – creating jobs, boosting our economy and opening up collaboration for the sector with some of our closest partners, whether on tackling climate change or advancing cancer research.
“This deal is a crucial step forward on our mission to become a science and tech superpower by 2030.”
Health and Social Care Committee Chair, Steve Brine MP said: “The announcement that the UK will rejoin the flagship Horizon research programme is of huge importance to the future of cancer research.
“Too much time and work has been lost leaving many in the health and scientific communities angry. They must be profoundly relieved having warned that without access to Horizon, the UK risked losing not only its world-leading reputation on science but access to research upon which crucial work depends.
“Next week we’ll be speaking to renowned specialists in cancer research and questioning them on what impact this major development is likely to have for their work as they seek to revolutionise the diagnosis and treatment of future cancer.”
President of UUK, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone: “The entire research community, within our universities and beyond, will be delighted at the news that an agreement has been reached.Overcoming the obstacles to association was no small feat and we are grateful to the government and the commission for their perseverance to secure this successful outcome.
“Horizon Europe has been the basis of scientific collaboration for over 30 years. From early detection of ovarian cancer to developing clean energy networks involving dozens of universities and many industrial partners, Horizon lets us do things that would not be possible without that scale of collaboration.
“Allowing our scientists to work together, irrespective of borders, is in all of our interests. Our universities will now do everything possible to ensure the UK rapidly bounces back towards previous levels of participation and is able to secure genuine value, delivering the wealth of research opportunities available.”
The Academy of Medical Sciences, the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Royal Society have issued a joint statement on the UK’s association to Horizon Europe:
‘This is a great day for researchers in the UK and across Europe. The Horizon programme is a beacon of international collaboration and UK-based academic and industrial researchers will now be back at the heart of that.
‘Research is vital to tackling the key problems we face, from global challenges such as climate change to driving productivity growth and creating new jobs locally. Our involvement in Horizon Europe will make the UK stronger and is a big win for global research and innovation.‘
Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “Horizon Europe association is overwhelmingly in the best interests of cancer patients and scientists, and it is great news for cancer research that agreement has finally been reached between the UK and EU.
“There will be relief throughout the research community that the uncertainty of the last two and a half years has come to an end. Nearly three quarters of respondents to our survey of cancer researchers cited funding from the EU as important for their work, showing how crucial Horizon Europe association is for the future of cancer research.
“We hope that this deal paves the way for the UK’s ongoing participation in future European research programmes. It is essential that the European Commission, the UK Government and UK research funders work with urgency to rebuild the strong position the UK occupied in the Horizon programme, and get funds and global collaboration flowing again into our research institutions.”
Dame Professor Angela McLean, Government Chief Scientific Adviser said: “This is great news for UK science and technology.
“International collaboration is a vital part of a thriving science ecosystem and association with the Horizon programme bolsters our plans to secure our status as a science and technology superpower.
Chief Executive of the Russell Group, Dr Tim Bradshaw said: “Association to Horizon Europe is tremendous news for UK science, research and innovation.
“We are delighted that a good deal has been struck, so all credit to the negotiating teams who have been working hard behind the scenes to get this over the line.
“This deal is a true win-win for everyone. The scale of research supported by Horizon Europe will help deliver medical breakthroughs, new technologies, and advances in areas such as AI to improve all our lives and help tackle the shared environmental, economic, and social challenges we face.
“The research community on both sides of the Channel are raring to go and will spare no effort in making our association a success. Universities have plans in place to get researchers to apply and our partner universities and businesses across the EU – and in other associated countries – are eager to work with our institutions.
“We will be ready to work with Government and the Commission to make the most of Horizon’s opportunities from day one and beyond into its successor.”
John Hanley, Chair of the UKspace trade body, said: “UKspace welcomes the news that the UK is reassociating with the EU Copernicus and Horizon Programmes.
“We have a strong track record within Copernicus with UK industry securing valuable contracts that have delivered jobs and growth across the country whilst unlocking a better understanding of our planet.
“We look forward to working with the Government to capitalise quickly on this agreement and identify the actions needed to build upon the UK’s national Earth Observation initiatives to ensure that industry can once more take a leading role in the largest multi-lateral EO Programme in the world.”
Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Officer for Rolls-Royce, said: “Horizon Europe has had a significant impact on Aerospace technologies and in helping Rolls-Royce remain at the forefront of technological advancement.
“We greatly welcome the UK’s return to the Horizon Europe programme, and look forward to going further and doing more, leveraging public-private partnership to continue driving world-leading innovation and competitiveness.
Dr Diana Beech, Chief Executive Officer, London Higher said: “The confirmation that the UK will rejoin Horizon Europe is welcome news for universities across London, the UK’s top ranked innovation cluster.
“The wait to associate to Horizon may have been lengthy but worthwhile, as today’s announcement shores up the future of research, innovation and higher education across the United Kingdom.
“With the assurance of association, London’s higher education and research community now has a renewed sense of purpose and optimism that London can reach its true potential as a research powerhouse.
“Association is both a recognition of the value we bring to the international scientific community and the acknowledgment that we are still very much a part of a global network of knowledge-sharing and innovation.
“Our universities now have the certainty and stability needed to continue powering the engine of UK innovation and to build connectivity across the regions as we seek to level up across the country and make the UK a global science superpower.
“We are committed to working collaboratively with our European partners, leveraging our collective expertise to drive innovation, support research excellence, and build a brighter future for all.”
Professor Paul Stewart FMedSci, Academy of Medical Sciences Vice President, Clinical, said: “Today marks a pivotal moment for UK science. After a hiatus, the scientific community is celebrating the tremendous news that we are once more part of the EU’s flagship funding programme.
“By associating to Horizon Europe, we now have the commitment and momentum to drive forward the Government’s vision for an innovative, high growth future and are well placed to support the diverse and highly skilled research talent that underpins our life sciences sector.
“Health research is an international endeavour, it relies on supporting the best ideas, but also on creating cross-border networks which is good news for the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. Association sends a very strong message that the UK is open for business and remains a prime destination to work on health research and innovation to improve lives.”
UKRI Chief Executive Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser said: “Today’s agreement on UK association to Horizon Europe is brilliant news.
“The UK has a long track record of mutually beneficial participation in previous EU schemes and this decision enables us to build on those highly successful collaborations to maximise the opportunities membership of Horizon Europe provides.
“UKRI is looking forward to working with our communities and partners to capture the many benefits of Horizon Europe for researchers and businesses.”
John Harrison, Chairman of Airbus UK: “It is great news that the U.K. will be rejoining Horizon Europe, which is a key funding programme for research and innovation, as well as the Copernicus programme.
“Having provided many of Copernicus’ critical technologies from the U.K., as well as designing and building the Sentinel 5P satellite in Stevenage, we look forward to contributing to future Copernicus Earth observation missions which play such a key role in understanding and tackling the planet’s changing climate.”
Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “The UK has a long history of expertise and innovation in Earth observation, so it is excellent news that we are going to continue our association in the EU part of Copernicus programme. This is a great outcome for our world-leading Earth observation sector, who we have worked closely with to support.
“Participating in Copernicus will enable the UK space sector to continue to play a significant role in the development of critical missions that will enable us to monitor our planet more effectively and lead a global effort through the use of satellite data to find new solutions to the urgent challenge of climate change.”
Ilan Gur, CEO of Advanced Research + Invention Agency: “A strong, interconnected scientific ecosystem is the foundation of breakthrough discovery and invention.
“This is wonderful news — a boost to science innovation not just for the UK but for the world!
The new head of the European Movement in the UK (EMUK) will on Saturday mark the seventh anniversary of the disastrous vote for Brexit by urging Scots to boost the campaign to Rejoin the European Union.
Scotland voted 62-38 to Remain on 23rd June 2016, with current polls showing an even bigger majority – more than 70% – in favour of rejoining the EU and viewing Brexit in the words of Nigel Farage as “a disaster.”
Dr Mike Galsworthy, EMUK’s new chair, will urge a public meeting in Glasgow organised by the European Movement in Scotland to join in a “society-wide, cross-party campaign to propel Scotland towards its European future.”
Dr Galsworthy, founder of Scientists for EU and a leading grassroots campaigner, is spearheading a EMUK drive to expand its membership base, including in Scotland, as the scale of the economic and political damage wrought by Brexit visibly grows with each passing day.
“As European Movement grows at pace, I’m keen that we start building up local groups and membership all over the UK.
“Scotland has always been passionately pro-European and I am delighted to be visiting European Movement in Scotland (EMiS) to meet its team and promote its campaigning across an array of EU-related issues.
“Scotland has its own society-wide cross-party campaign to drive the country forward towards its European future. I’ll be talking about how we can extend and expand that.”
Dr Galsworthy’s visit comes in the immediate aftermath of MPs’ overwhelming vote – 354-7 – to back the privileges committee findings that Boris Johnson, Brexit’s architect, deliberately misled (lied to) the House of Commons – showing utter contempt for the body whose sovereignty he claimed to be restoring.
It also follows the publication by the Scottish Government of a new paper showing the scale of damage seven years on from the Brexit referendum.
These include:
· An expected loss of £3 billion every year in public revenues for Scotland.
· Food price inflation at a 45 year high with Brexit responsible for an estimated one third of it.
· Damaged trade with 44% of businesses in Scotland naming Brexit as the main cause of difficulties trading overseas.
· Staff shortages reported by 45% of tourism businesses in the Highland and Islands, as a result of the loss of freedom of movement.
The European Movement is growing. Membership has tripled in the last four years, reaching almost 20,000 and growing every day.
The EMiS meeting is at Strathclyde Business School, 199 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0QU, at 6pm.
Further details, including for registration, can be found here.
The report is based on an inquiry undertaken between July 2022 and March 2023. The inquiry involved 12 oral evidence sessions, with a total of 43 witnesses, as well as 58 written submissions.
The report examines the overarching state of the post-Brexit relationship between the UK and EU, and how this might be developed in the future, across four themes:
The overall political, diplomatic and institutional relationship;
the foreign policy, defence and security relationship;
energy security and climate change; and
mobility of people.
After years of tension and mistrust, recommendations focus on actions to be taken as a priority as part of a reset of UK-EU relations following the recent agreement of the Windsor Framework.
The Committee’s key findings and recommendations are as follows:
The political, diplomatic and institutional relationship
The opportunity the recent improvement in the mood around UK-EU relations this presents for a reset of UK-EU relations should, following years of tension and mistrust, must be grasped.
There should be a considerable increase in engagement between the UK and the EU. This should include greater use of existing institutional structures such as the TCA Specialised Committees. There would also be value in holding regular UK-EU summits. The UK’s participation in the new European Political Community is welcome.
The foreign policy, defence and security relationship
Cooperation between the UK and the EU has been close and productive in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Nevertheless, the ad hoc approach to sanctions coordination with the EU should be replaced by a more formal mechanism.
The Government’s decision to participate in the Military Mobility project under the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) is welcome. It should consider future opportunities for defence cooperation with the EU that are complementary to NATO as they arise.
The Government should approach the EU with the aim of establishing appropriate structured cooperation arrangements on external affairs.
Energy security and climate change
Energy trading between the UK and the EU has continued without much disruption despite the energy security challenges experienced in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, an agreement should be reached to guarantee that energy flows can continue in the event of a critical supply shortage.
The UK and the EU should cooperate closely on the installation of additional interconnectors, including in the North Sea, which are needed to ensure future energy security.
There would be mutual benefits to be gained from the UK and the EU linking their respective Emissions Trading Schemes and the Government should approach the EU about this possibility. The Government should also engage closely with the EU in relation to the latter’s proposal for a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
Mobility of people
The end of free movement of people between the UK and the EU has had a major impact on business and professional travel. Government guidance on business and professional mobility should be made more straightforward to navigate and interpret.
The substantial decline in school visits from the EU to the UK since 2019 is regrettable. To address this the Government should reintroduce a youth group travel scheme that would not require pupils travelling on school visits from any EU country to carry individual passports.
Post-Brexit barriers to mobility have had a disproportionate impact on younger people. The Government should approach the EU about the possibility of entering an ambitious reciprocal youth mobility partnership, similar to existing schemes with other jurisdictions such as Australia and Canada.
Lord Kinnoull, Chair of the Committee, said: “The UK’s post-Brexit relationship with the EU has regrettably come under significant strain over the period since the TCA came into force, characterised by tension and mistrust.
“While the recent change in mood for future UK-EU relations following the announcement of the Windsor Framework is welcome, there is now the opportunity to move the relationship forward to the mutual benefit of both the UK and the EU.
“A particular theme running through our Future UK-EU Relationship report evidence was the significant impact of post-Brexit barriers to mobility young workers and professionals in the early stages of their careers, emerging artists, as well as students across different educational levels. Making progress here will benefit all in the short term but especially in the long term.
“The Committee feels that it is now time to address the considerable lack of structure in the foreign policy, security and defence relationship. Here we particularly recommend means of seeking to make sanctions bite harder through analysis and enforcement cooperation.
“Another area we looked into was energy. Here again we have made many recommendations which will help our long term energy security.
“We have also made a number of recommendations about the current institutional relationship and how improvements can be made”.
Humza Yousaf will appoint a senior figure to head up Scottish Government strategy for re-joining the EU and is planning to stage a European summit in Scotland if he is elected SNP leader and First Minister.
In a letter to David Clarke, chair of the European Movement in Scotland, Mr Yousaf says: “If elected as First Minister I would seek to rebuild closer relationships with the EU as a matter of priority, bringing Scotland back to Europe, where we belong. I would envision having someone in place to lead this strategy.”
He adds: ” We want to re-join Europe because we want to re-join the scientific research community as well as build transparent trading standards and regulations that sit within the EU. It is also, vitally, about working on issues of climate change and biodiversity on land and sea at a European level to ensure best practice and shared responsibilities.”
Mr Yousaf tells Scotland’s leading pro-European campaign that the person leading the strategy of re-joining “as a small independent country” would be tasked with rebuilding the infrastructure “to help us transition back into Europe.” He does not rule out making this a cabinet-level role, he adds.
“I am confident we will return to Europe. We must. I must be very clear regarding my unwavering commitment to Europe, however. If elected as First Minister, I would work firmly with the belief that the only way Scotland can return to Europe is as an independent country. I will re-affirm the case to the people of Scotland, then, that our place in Europe is as a small independent country.”
The current health secretary says he intends hosting a European summit in Scotland is he wins the three-cornered contest.
“We would intend to engage in honest dialogue with not only our fellow EU partners the Greens/ European Free Alliance, but other EU groups that are open to democracy and furthering social justice across Europe,” he explains.
He also confirms that the SNP will set up its own permanent office in Brussels as a way of “establishing our presence as a small European nation at the heart of Europe and ensuring Scotland’s case for returning to Europe be heard by our European neighbours.”
David Clarke, chair of the European Movement in Scotland commented: “Europe should be centre stage of any political discussion in this country.
“Brexit has been the disaster we always knew it would be. There is but one way to overcome the chaos and economic deprivation of the last few years and that is to re-join the European Union as soon as possible. We applaud any politician from any party willing to tell this truth and to take steps to put this into action.”
As the ‘continuity candidate’, Yousaf has the backing of a raft of senior SNP politicians in his bid to become party leader and First Minister, but whether he will have the support of rank and file members who are looking for a radical change in direction in the fight for independence is another matter.
SNP members will have the opportunity to have their say when voting opens tomorrow.
Opposition parties have already made up their minds:
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Rabbie’s mini-coach tours travel on mini-coaches and stay in hand-picked accommodation. Thanks to Rabbie’s expert drivers and guides, guests travel beyond the guidebooks, off the beaten map and on the trodden track, with every new trial uncovering the hidden gems of Europe’s finest destinations.
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Highlights include:
6-day The Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Explorer
This 6-day tour takes a roundtrip from Milan, visiting the beautiful Italian lakes and the impressive peaks of the Swiss Alps. Gain the best views of the shimmering Italian lakes with boat rides on the stunning Lake Como and the azure-blue Lake Maggoire. Ride into the heart of the Swiss Alps and face the imposing and iconic Matterhorn and journey to the mountain’s ‘base camp’.
Meet aspiring mountaineers and revel in an unforgettable view of a seemingly insurmountable mountain. Journey back in time with a visit to Chillon Castle, a mighty fortress that sits on the expansive shores of Lake Geneva before walking the trails of 72 waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen.
Conclude the adventure in the town of Bellinzona, a fortress town that once stood guide to the North of Italy, now a beautiful UNESCO World-Heritage site.
Join Rabbie’s Six-Day The Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Explorer from Milan from €2,119 per person based on a 24 April 2023 departure.
6-day The Charms or Portugal & North West Spain
Journey to the edge of ancient Europe to discover the hidden gems of Portugal and the treasures of Spain on this 6-day tour. Soak up Portuguese history in the cities of Óbidos and Coimbra.
In Óbidos, walk quaint streets and navigate the imposing walls of the Moorish Castle before, in Coimbra, exploring the city’s 13th-century university, which is one of the oldest in the world. Next, select between indulging in the cuisine and cathedrals of Porto, or journeying through the heart of the Duoro valley before enjoying an evening rich with performances of Fado, Portugal’s live, emotionally-resonant music.
Summit Mount Espinho, by staircase or by elevator, to visit the famous neoclassical church atop the mountain before visiting Guimarãe, the ‘birthplace of Portugal’ and a famous UNESCO World-Heritage sight. Notorious for shipwrecks, ‘the Coast of Death’ is waiting to be driven along and admired before travelling to the ‘End of the World’ at Cape Finisterre, which offers incredible views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Be transported back to Roman times in Lugo and Las Médula; complete with city wall defences. Marvel at the golden landmarks of Salamanca’s Old Town and visit the home of Spanish royalty, El Escorial.
Join Rabbie’s Six-day The Charms or Portugal & North West Spain from Lisbon from €1,959 per person based on a 17 April 2023 departure.
For more information about Rabbie’s and its tour offerings, visit www.rabbies.com.
The European Movement in Scotland (EMiS), the country’s leading pro-EU body, is stepping up its campaign to rejoin the European Union in 2023 with new hires and a fresh membership drive.
EU+me, another pro-European body, is joining forces with EMiS this month to give what its outgoing chair, Prof Stephen Gethins, calls “focus, scale and momentum” to the growing campaign for Scotland to rejoin the EU – in its own right or as part of the UK.
At the same time, EMiS has appointed David McDonald (SNP), a former depute leader and convener for culture, vibrancy and international relations at Glasgow City Council, to be its new membership and campaigns co-ordinator.
These moves come as David Clarke, a financial consultant and ex-journalist who has worked to develop Scotland’s financial services sector and build relations with his native Ireland, takes over from Mark Lazarowicz, the former Labour MP, as EMiS chair with a remit to grow the membership and boost the rejoin movement.
They also come on the 50th anniversary of the UK joining the then European Economic Community in 1973 and amid widespread evidence that British voters are repenting their 2016 decision to exit the EU (Brexit), increasingly tending to favour rejoining the world’s biggest peace project and trading bloc.
According to YouGov, only 32% of people across the UK now believe it was right to leave the EU while a clear majority, 56%, says it was wrong – a margin of 24 points, the widest recorded since the 2016 referendum. Almost three-quarters of young Scots wish to rejoin the EU.
Like EMiS, EU+me has been a non-partisan network of pro-Europeans making the positive case for our future as a European nation at the heart of the EU. Its outgoing chair, ex-SNP MP, Professor Gethins, is joining the EMiS executive as a co-opted member in the wake of the merger.
Stephen Gethins, former SNP MP and spokesperson for international affairs and Europe, said: “The European Union is one of the great success stories of our times. It has delivered peace, prosperity and stability to its citizens since it was founded.
“Every state that has joined the EU has seen an improvement in the quality of life of its citizens. The only Member State to have left, the UK, has seen a deterioration of its citizens’ quality of life.
“We all know that leaving the EU against our will has had a devastating impact on our economy, on our freedoms, protections and rights. Young people, who have had opportunity snatched away, and small businesses who have seen a dramatic increase in red tape have been particularly badly affected. It is unsurprising that support for rejoining the EU is growing in support whilst backing for remaining isolated outside is evaporating.
“This is the right time to consolidate the major pro-European campaigns in Scotland. Providing focus, scale and momentum. EMIS is the obvious point of consolidation and host for that process. EU+me have now formalised the partnership that we have always enjoyed with colleagues in EMIS. We will now be joining forces putting our resources, innovative content and network of relationships fully behind.”
David Clarke added: ” The statistics are becoming clearer by the day, no matter what the Brexit flat-earthers would have us believe – leaving the EU has made us poorer and our lives more difficult. As a result, pro-Europeans in Scotland are uniting around the benefits of closer links with our European partners with the eventual aim of rejoining the EU.
“We are determined to provide a clear and evidence-based path to closer cooperation with Europe and we look forward to working with partners in Scotland and the wider UK to overturn this divisive and disastrous Brexit.”
New economic paper for an independent Scotland to be published
Proposals to build a dynamic and socially just economy will be at the centre of government plans for a newly independent Scotland, according to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Speaking ahead of the launch of a new prospectus paper detailing plans for the economy of an independent Scotland, the First Minister said independence would help Scotland become a fairer, wealthier and greener country.
Building on the evidence published in the first of the Building a New Scotland series, Independence in the modern world, the latest paper will set out how the powers of independence, combined with Scotland’s abundant economic strengths and resources, can deliver a stronger economy and fairer society.
The paper is also expected to propose a Building a New Scotland Fund. With infrastructure investment of up to £20 billion from remaining oil revenues and responsible borrowing, the new Fund will accelerate the transition to net zero, build resilient communities, and help kick-start the sustainable economic growth so important for the newly independent nation.
The paper will also address the issues of currency, fiscal sustainability, and trade.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Scotland has an abundance of skilled people, innovative businesses, and natural resources. We have everything it takes to be just as successful as comparable independent European countries. Our analysis from the first paper in the Building a New Scotland series shows that a dynamic economy and social justice go hand in hand. Each makes the other stronger.
“Scotland’s economy is one of the best performing in the UK – however the UK economy, particularly post-Brexit, is now lagging behind many EU and international comparators. The UK economic model is demonstrably failing and increasingly holding Scotland back.
“Independence is now essential to build an economy that works for everyone. The paper we are publishing today will help people make a clear, informed choice about independence and how we can forge a path towards becoming a fairer, greener, wealthier country.”
The First Minister will hold a press conference today at 12pm.
Unsurprisingly, the Scottish Conservatives are less than impressed:
The European Movement in Scotland (EMiS), Scotland’s premier pro-EU body, strongly endorsed the Scottish Government’s decision to make rejoining the European Union a centrepiece of its economic strategy if Scotland were to become independent.
EMiS, a cross-party body that is neutral on the independence question, points out that Brexit has demonstrably impoverished the UK and destroys the sustainable, inclusive growth Scotland wants and needs.
Mark Lazarowicz, EMiS chair, said: “Scotland’s economic prospects will be immeasurably strengthened inside the European Union, the world’s largest single market.
“We have witnessed the damaging economic impact of Brexit, with the UK set to be 4 per cent poorer than if it had stayed in the EU, according to the independent Office for Budget Responsibility. This is set to knock £80bn off the UK’s gross domestic product and about £40bn off exchequer receipts.
“There can be no lasting growth perspective outside the world’s biggest trading bloc. Rejoining the EU is the key to ending poverty and inequality and promoting green growth and jobs,for both Scotland and the whole UK.”
The Labour Party is opposed to rejoining the European Union.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, made a statement following a series of meetings with party leaders:
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Brandon Lewis MP, yesterday met with the leaders of Northern Ireland’s five main political parties; Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Féin; Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, DUP; Naomi Long, Alliance; Doug Beattie, UUP; and Colum Eastwood, SDLP.
In all his meetings, the Secretary of State reiterated the need to respect the electoral outcome of Thursday’s election and restore the full functioning of the devolved institutions as soon as possible – both the Executive and the Assembly.
All parties agreed on the importance of maintaining political stability. The Secretary of State encouraged all party leaders to come together to form an Executive as soon as possible, starting with the nomination of an Assembly Speaker.
The Secretary of State acknowledged that the Northern Ireland Protocol remains a clear barrier to political stability and re-confirmed that the Government will do whatever it takes to protect the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, in all of its dimensions.
He reiterated the Government’s desire to address the outstanding issues by agreement with the EU, but confirmed that the Government stood ready to take further steps to rectify those issues, should that be necessary.
He noted that negotiations with the European Commission related to the Protocol were the responsibility of the UK Government and that they should not stand in the way of restoring the Stormont institutions and enabling the Executive to deliver for all the people of Northern Ireland.
He reiterated the importance of taking advantage of the new provisions in the NI (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Act passed earlier this year to enable continuity in decision-making during the Executive formation process. This will ensure existing Northern Ireland ministers can remain in place to oversee NI departments, allow legislation to progress and support the delivery of vital public services.
Speaking after his meetings, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis MP, said: “Northern Ireland’s party leaders must come together to agree a way forward to deliver a stable and accountable devolved government.
“The UK Government’s overriding priority remains the preservation of peace and stability in Northern Ireland and the protection of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement in all its strands.
“The current situation with the Protocol is fundamentally undermining the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and creating an unacceptable situation in Northern Ireland. We will continue to press the EU to agree the crucial changes that are urgently needed but will take nothing off the table in our pursuit of those solutions.
“As I conveyed to party leaders today, our collective focus must be on the restoration of the Stormont institutions so that those newly elected representatives can come together and deliver in the best interests of all the people of Northern Ireland.
“I will remain in close contact with the party leaders over the coming days.”
Scotland’s leading pro-European campaigning body, the European Movement in Scotland (EMiS), has underlined its cross-party credentials by choosing a former SNP cabinet secretary and a former Conservative MEP as its new honorary presidents.
Mike Russell, MSP until May this year and former Scottish Government cabinet secretary for Constitution, Europe and External Affairs, and John Purvis, a Tory MEP for 15 years, jointly take over the post bequeathed to them by (Lord) Ming Campbell, the LibDem peer.
They were unanimously confirmed in their new posts at the EMiS annual general meeting in Edinburgh which reaffirmed its commitment to Scotland rejoining the European Union as soon as possible – whether in its own right as an independent state or as part of the UK. As a non-party/cross-party body EMiS is neutral on Scottish independence.
Separately, EMiS is to launch a campaign for Scotland and/or the UK to rejoin the single market and customs union as the devastating economic and social effects of Brexit are revealed daily.
Philippa Whitford MP, SNP Commons spokesman on Europe (and health);
David Broucher, a former UK diplomat/ambassador in, among other places, Bonn and Prague;
Peter Sellar, an EU lawyer specialising in regulatory affairs and author of a paper on this topic for the Scottish Independence Convention.
David Clarke, Vice-Chair of EMiS commented: “Our choice of new Honorary Presidents underlines the cross-party consensus in Scotland for rejoining the European Union, with membership of the single market and customs union a first stage.
“John Purvis is a long-standing Conservative with deep roots in the EU and European financial services, while Mike Russell’s commitment to Europe as an SNP politician, minister and thinker is unmatched. Our campaign to rejoin the EU steps up a gear with our latest webinar on 8th December and throughout 2022.”
