Day: March 13, 2015

Lazarowicz: ‘Government must listen to people’s call for action’

North & Leith MP supports Earth Hour

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Mark Lazarowicz, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, has signed up to support this year’s WWF Earth Hour when millions of people around the world come together to switch off their lights for one hour in a symbolic act of support for action to tackle climate change. 

Earth Hour takes place on Saturday 28 March from 8:30 – 9.30pm. You can find more information at www.earthhour.wwf.org.uk/

As part of this year’s Earth Hour, the North & Leith MP pledged to back protection of the world’s forests at a WWF reception in Parliament this week through support for a responsible trade in sustainably-sourced forest products. 

Mark Lazarowicz said: “Earth Hour is a clear demonstration of people’s concern around the world about climate change and I am really pleased to see that Edinburgh will be taking part again with the lights at Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Parliament, the Scott Monument, and Forth Rail Bridge all going out.

“Economic growth can make a real difference to the lives of people around the world but it must be sustainable: that’s why I want to see action on deforestation with businesses and governments making a commitment to responsible trade in wood and paper.

“The world has lost nearly half its forests, and already global demand for wood for timber, paper and fuel is set to triple by 2050.

“The UK is the fifth-largest importer of timber and wood-based products in the world so what we do makes a difference and Government must listen to people’s call for action at Earth Hour.”

Mark Lazarowicz is a member of the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) which produced a report in December on agreeing ambitious goals for sustainable development which you can find here. The EAC also produced a report on climate change adaptation which you can find here.

 

 

Keir: control of APD ‘a gamechanger’ for Scotland

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Edinburgh Western MSP Colin Keir has welcomed comments by a senior airlines executive that Air Passenger Duty (APD) is having an adverse effect on trade.

Following comments by David Thomas, a regional director of American Airlines, that Air Passenger Duty is ‘stifling demand’ on flights between Scotland and the United States, Colin Keir, Edinburgh Airport’s MSP, said: “Mr Thomas’s comments are most welcome and further validate our position that the Scottish Government must have control over Air Passenger Duty.

“As Edinburgh Airport’s recent report showed, reducing APD in Scotland by 50% will initially support 800 new jobs and create millions for the economy, is most welcome and must be taken seriously by the UK Government.

“The tourism tax, that is particularly damaging to Scottish airports, should be cut at once. Devolution of APD would be a game changer for Scottish airports.

“The Scottish Government has committed to cutting Air Passenger Duty once it is devolved and that responsibility cannot come soon enough for passengers and Scotland’s airports. Only a strong team of SNP MPs elected on May 7 will ensure Scotland gains the powers it has been promised – including APD – to create jobs and build a more prosperous and fairer country.”

Ministers mark National Apprentice Week

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National Apprenticeship Week 2015 activity got off to a flying start on Monday when apprentices from across London met Secretary of State for Business, Vince Cable, at the London Eye, marking the official launch event of the week.

The event took place in the wake of research from economists at the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), showing that millions of consumers would prefer to do business with apprentice employers.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “The benefits of apprenticeships are clear – they make a vital contribution to the economy, boost business productivity and give people the skills they need to get on in the world of work.

“As this research shows, there has been an important shift in the attitudes towards apprenticeships with businesses, consumers, and young people recognising the significant opportunities they can offer.

On Tuesday Jason Holt CBE hosted an event at the House of Commons showcasing the products and services made by apprentices at small to medium-sized enterprises and featuring speeches from political and business leaders. Jason also officially launched ApprenticeMakers, a peer support service for small businesses interested in taking on apprentices.

The event featured exhibitions from SMEs, including: Heartplus, John O’Conner Ltd, The Bridal Gallery, Mike Rowland and Son, Blue Moon Creative Ltd, Michael Taite, Jonny’s Sister Ltd, K&M McLoughlin Decorating Ltd, Promo 2 U Limited, Holition and Optimity.

On Wednesday evening, the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg (top), welcomed employers and apprentices from the finance, legal and insurance services sectors at a reception in Whitehall. Skills Funding Agency executive director, Keith Smith, was accompanied to the event by an SFA apprentice who works in the legal team.

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A catwalk-themed reception for Trailblazer employers was held yesterday at Elstree film studios, in partnership with the British Fashion Council, as a ‘thank you’ for the employers’ work in designing and implementing new apprenticeship standards.

Skills and Equalities Minister, Nick Boles, MP (above) said: This week is a time to celebrate the employers, young people and adults from across the country that are making apprenticeships such a success.”