Day: November 25, 2018

Brexit: Theresa May makes appeal to the nation – get behind the deal

Prime Minister Theresa May has written a letter to the nation explaining why she thinks the public should back her EU Brexit deal. Here is the full letter:

“When I became your Prime Minister the United Kingdom had just voted to leave the European Union.

“From my first day in the job, I knew I had a clear mission before me – a duty to fulfil on your behalf: to honour the result of the referendum and secure a brighter future for our country by negotiating a good Brexit deal with the EU.

“Throughout the long and complex negotiations that have taken place over the last year and a half, I have never lost sight of that duty.

“Today, I am in Brussels with the firm intention of agreeing a Brexit deal with the leaders of the other 27 EU nations.

“It will be a deal that is in our national interest – one that works for our whole country and all of our people, whether you voted ‘Leave’ or ‘Remain’.
“It will honour the result of the referendum.

“We will take back control of our borders, by putting an end to the free movement of people once and for all.

“Instead of an immigration system based on where a person comes from, we will build one based on the skills and talents a person has to offer.

“We will take back control of our money, by putting an end to vast annual payments to the EU.

“Instead, we will be able to spend British taxpayers’ money on our own priorities, like the extra £394 million per week that we are investing in our long-term plan for the NHS.

“And we will take back control of our laws, by ending the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice in the UK.

“In future, our laws will be made, interpreted and enforced by our own courts and legislatures.

“We will be out of EU programmes that do not work in our interests: out of the Common Agricultural Policy, that has failed our farmers, and out of the Common Fisheries Policy, that has failed our coastal communities.

“Instead, we will be able to design a system of agricultural support that works for us and we will be an independent coastal state once again, with full control over our waters.

“The deal also protects the things we value.

“EU citizens who have built their lives in the United Kingdom will have their rights protected, as will UK citizens living elsewhere in the EU.

“A free trade area will allow goods to flow easily across our borders, protecting the many skilled jobs right across the country that rely on integrated supply-chains.

“Because our European friends will always be our allies in the fight against terrorism and organised crime, the deal will ensure that security co-operation will continue, so we can keep our people safe.

“As Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, I have from day one been determined to deliver a Brexit deal that works for every part of our country – for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, for our Overseas Territories like Gibraltar, and also for the Crown Dependencies.

“This deal will do that.

“Crucially, it will protect the integrity of our United Kingdom and ensure that there will be no hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland – so people can live their lives as they do now.

“It is a deal for a brighter future, which enables us to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

“Outside the EU, we will be able to sign new trade deals with other countries and open up new markets in the fastest-growing economies around the world.

“With Brexit settled, we will be able to focus our energies on the many other important issues facing us here at home: keeping our economy strong, and making sure every community shares in prosperity; securing our NHS for the future, giving every child a great start in life, and building the homes that families need; tackling the burning injustices that hold too many people back, and building a country for the future that truly works for everyone.

“On 29 March next year, the United Kingdom will leave the European Union.

“We will then begin a new chapter in our national life. I want that to be a moment of renewal and reconciliation for our whole country.

“It must mark the point when we put aside the labels of ‘Leave’ and ‘Remain’ for good and we come together again as one people.

“To do that we need to get on with Brexit now by getting behind this deal.

“Parliament will have the chance to do that in a few weeks’ time when it has a meaningful vote on the deal I hope to strike today.

“I will be campaigning with my heart and soul to win that vote and to deliver this Brexit deal, for the good of our United Kingdom and all of our people.”

The deal’s now been signed in Brussels, but there’s little chance of the deal getting the support of the UK Parliament. 

 

Redhall Walled Garden: Winter Magic Open Day on 8th December

Redhall Walled Garden is holding it’s annual community winter open day on Saturday 8th December (12-3pm).   We have attached a poster which advertises the event.

To summarise we will be offering :-

  • ‘Spot the Snowman’ treasure/quiz trail
  • Children’s Crafts
  • Holly Wreaths for sale
  • Café with Cream teas

Best Wishes

Redhall Walled Garden

97 Lanark Road, Edinburgh EH14 2LZ

0131 443 0946

The garden is open to the public Monday- Friday 9am – 4pm

One Year On: Progress in tackling violence against women and girls

Strategy highlights priority areas

As the United Nations campaign of 16 days of activism around violence against women begins, the Scottish Government has highlighted the actions it has taken to tackle the issue. Continue reading One Year On: Progress in tackling violence against women and girls

Channel 5 launches ‘Help the Animals at Christmas’

Help the Animals at Christmas.For the first time in British TV history viewers have the chance to ‘Help the Animals at Christmas’. Join Channel 5 for three hours of festive entertainment, fun and fundraising

Channel 5 has officially announced Help the Animals at Christmas, a new live show on 21st December. Channel 5 will be promoting the Help The Animals Appeal, raising funds for UK animal welfare charitable organisations and showcasing the work of five incredible UK animal charities, RSPCA, Scottish SPCA, Blue Cross, The Donkey Sanctuary and Wildlife Aid Foundation.

Broadcast live on Channel 5 from Salford’s Media City, the presenters confirmed for the live show are Susan Calman, Gethin Jones, Gaby Roslin, John Thomson and Michael Underwood. Jeremy Vine’s Storm Huntley will also be on hand to manage the live social media hub.

Across the night there will be special episodes of Channel 5 favourites, all of which have teamed up with one of the five charities to present the amazing work they do every day; Ben Fogle’s New Lives in the Wild, The Yorkshire Vet, The Dog Rescuers with the cast of Neighbours and Jo Brand’s Kitten Rescue.

Many animals are suffering in silence this Christmas, with many abandoned, neglected and abused. It is heart-breaking to see so many animals without a home to call their own at this time of year. Animal cruelty doesn’t stop just because it’s Christmas. Help the Animals at Christmas aims to raise awareness of the issues and threats facing animals and tell the stories of some of those who need rescuing, rehoming, or need some extra care this Christmas. Viewers will be given the chance to get involved and join the fight to prevent cruelty, provide rehabilitation and alleviate suffering to animals.

Help the Animals at Christmas.For the first time in British TV history viewers have the chance to ‘Help the Animals at Christmas’. Join Channel 5 for three hours of festive entertainment, fun and fundraising

Ben Frow, Director of Programming at Channel 5 said: “Christmas should be a happy time for all, including those who don’t have a voice – animals. So this year, along with a host of famous faces, we are going to shine a light on animal welfare, raising awareness and money for five animal charities who work tirelessly to bring comfort and joy to animals all over the UK.” 

The RSPCA, specialise in animal rescue and improving the welfare of all animals, whether they are pets, farm animals, lab animals or wildlife. Over the Christmas season the RSPCA is braced for around 1,800 calls a day as it continues its vital work caring for abused, neglected and sick animals across England and Wales Just this festive season the charity expects to take in around 19,000 animals – with many, many more already in its care patiently waiting to find their fur-ever homes.

The Scottish SPCA, Scotland’s animal welfare charity, rescues, rehabilitates, rehomes and releases abused, abandoned and injured animals across Scotland. As the only animal charity in the UK recognised as a reporting agency to the Crown Office, their inspectors enforce the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. Throughout the festive period their dedicated animal rescue officers, inspectors, vets and animal care teams will be on hand to save animals that are not so lucky.

Blue Cross is a national pet charity who have been helping sick, injured and homeless pets since 1897. For them, helping animals who are in need at Christmas is vital, as not all animals are lucky enough to be safe and warm over the holidays and have a true friend to look out for them. Help the Animals at Christmas will allow viewers to be a friend to pets in need and help change their lives as they change ours.

The largest equine welfare charity in the world, The Donkey Sanctuary, has rescued thousands of donkeys and mules from a life of neglect, abuse and abandonment since its establishment in 1969. The winter months are The Donkey Sanctuary’s busiest time of the year for welfare calls and visits, with the cold, wet conditions making life even harder for mistreated or abandoned donkeys.

Finally, the Wildlife Aid Foundation are dedicated to the rescue, care and rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned wild animals. Christmas time for this charity is very key with wildlife struggling during the winter as temperatures drop and food sources become increasingly scarce.

BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 2018

Help The Animals at Christmas is delighted to partner with the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 2018 as the official fundraising event. Participants are invited to support the charity campaign by taking part in the UK’s biggest festive 5K fun run on Sunday 2 December and raise cash while they dash. Up to 10,000 Santas dashing round Liverpool city centre is a spectacular sight, and features a finish line at Liverpool Town Hall with ‘real snow’ and festive characters. Youngsters also have their very own 1K Mini Dash. There is a virtual run option for anyone who would like to get involved but cannot be there in person on the day.

More information on Help the Animals at Christmas and how you can get involved to raise money here

Help the Animals at Christmas.For the first time in British TV history viewers have the chance to ‘Help the Animals at Christmas’. Join Channel 5 for three hours of festive entertainment, fun and fundraising

Edinburgh food charity urgently needs food drive volunteers

Help local people get through Christmas

FareShare Central and SE Scotland needs volunteers to help collect donations for local charities as part of the Tesco Food Collection from  Thursday 29 November to Saturday 1 December 2018. Continue reading Edinburgh food charity urgently needs food drive volunteers

Loki’s Poverty Safari is most rebellious read

Poverty Safari, the best-selling memoir about growing up in Glasgow by writer and performer Darren McGarvey, aka Loki, has been selected in an online vote for Book Week Scotland 2018 as the most rebellious read of the 21st century.

Now in its seventh year, Book Week Scotland is run by Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing. In keeping with Book Week Scotland’s 2018 theme ‘Rebel’ readers were asked to select their most rebellious read from a shortlist of 21 non-fiction books.

Claiming 44% of all votes cast, Poverty Safari was followed in second place by A Streetcat Named Bob by James Bowen. Bowen’s inspiring story, which is also autobiographical, focuses on the healing relationship that he developed with an injured cat whilst homeless.

The Good Immigrant anthology edited by Nikesh Shukla, a crowdfunded book that challenges perceptions of immigrants with a diverse array of voices, took third place.

Over 3,500 people participated in the online poll, which was open for six weeks prior to the start of Book Week Scotland, and drew in record numbers of voters.

Poverty Safari, McGarvey’s first book, has garnered praise from across the political spectrum for its unflinching portrayal of the realities of growing up in poverty in Scotland. The book also won the Orwell Prize 2018 and was listed as a Sunday Times top ten best seller.

Initially crowdsourced through Scottish Book Trust’s website and social media channels, the rebellious read shortlist was decided by a panel, including: Head of General Collections of the National Library of Scotland, Graeme Hawley; Mairi Oliver, owner and bookseller of Lighthouse Books; and Literature Officer of Creative Scotland, Erin McElhinney.

The top ten most rebellious reads of the 21st century, as voted by the public are:

1.         Poverty Safari by Darren McGarvey

2.         A Streetcat Named Bob by James Bowen

3.         The Good Immigrant by Nikesh Shukla

4.         Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge

5.         Freedom is a Constant Struggle by Angela Y Davis

6.         I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes with Death by Maggie O’Farrell

7.         I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

8.         Nasty Women by 404 Ink

9.         The Secret Barrister: Stories of the Law and How It’s Broken by the Secret Barrister

10.       The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism by Naomi Klein

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “I’m delighted to see record numbers participate in this year’s online vote. We always find that this is a great way to start new conversations about why different books matter to different people.

“This year, the spotlight is on books that challenge our perceptions and encourage us to ask questions about the way society works. Clearly, the top ten is exceptionally strong and it’s great to see that Poverty Safari, a home-grown success story by a new Scottish writer, has topped the list.”

Erin McElhinney, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland said: “Books can change the world – whether it’s a writer challenging the status quo, or a reader being introduced to new ideas.

“The books on this contemporary top ten list, and the strong public response to them, is a testament to the rebellious potential of the written word.”