We need to talk!

CALL FOR MEETING ON IMMIGRATION PROPOSALS

Following the UK Government’s new immigration proposals, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has offered to lead a delegation from the Scottish business community in a meeting at Downing Street.

The First Minister has written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson inviting him to meet representatives from key sectors in Scotland to discuss how to ‘prevent serious and lasting harm to Scotland’s economy’.

In the letter, she highlights a number of industries that will be significantly affected by the new immigration policies including the social care sector, food and drink industry and construction sector.

The full text of the letter reads:

Dear Boris

The immigration policy announced by your government this week has caused concern in many sectors across Scotland’s economy. More than half of all roles in Scotland would not meet the salary threshold you have set, rising to as many as 90% in our vital social care sector.

Many other sectors of the economy are clear that the plan to end free movement and introduce this new system in its place has not been designed with the interests of Scotland in mind, including the production and processing sectors underpinning Scotland’s world-class food and drink industry, the construction sector delivering on investments in housing and infrastructure, and the tourism and hospitality sectors that make Scotland one of the best places in the world to visit.

The proposals the Scottish Government put forward last month were intended to provide a basis for discussion on how the UK immigration system could meet Scotland’s needs: a tailored approach for Scotland through a Scottish Visa; a targeted way to encourage migration to remote and rural communities, recommended by the Migration Advisory Committee; and suggestions for reform to UK-wide routes for migration. The Scottish Government’s position has attracted broad support from business, trade unions, third sector, local government and academic experts

An immigration system which truly delivers for the whole of the UK also needs to deliver for Scotland. My government has been in contact with representatives of key sectors of Scotland’s economy who would like to join me in a meeting with you, in Downing Street, to discuss the impact your new policy and the changes we believe should be made in order to prevent serious and lasting harm to Scotland’s economy and services as a result of your migration policy.

I look forward to your swift response, and to meeting with you alongside representative voices from across Scotland’s economy.

NICOLA STURGEON

Ama-zing Harmonies returns tomorrow

Our young people’s Transition to Confidence Workshop for this month is on Monday 24th February.

Topic: Young People’s confidence boosters

Venue: West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

Time: 5-6pm

Free and fun packed full activities For Ages 9 and above. Spaces available!

Our choir group also resumes for the year on Monday 24th February.

Our singing club offers refreshing music, dance and food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Come and join us at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre from 6 – 7pm tomorrow and every last Monday of the month.

See you there!

PM announces plans to mark VE Day 75

Hundreds of veterans will take part in commemorations across the UK to mark 75 years since VE Day
Churchill’s famous victory speech will be broadcast across the country
The Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will perform a fly past over Buckingham Palace
Veterans encouraged to register for The Royal British Legion’s programme of events

On 8 May a day-long series of events will take place across the UK to commemorate the Allied Victory in Europe and give thanks to the Second World War generation and the sacrifices they made securing peace across the continent.

The Prime Minister is also backing The Royal British Legion’s search for those from the Second World War generation who will take centre stage at the commemorations in London, culminating in a procession down the Mall.

Applications are now open for veterans from the UK, Allied Forces and the Commonwealth, descendants, child evacuees and all those who contributed to the war effort – including those who served on the Home Front and in the emergency services – to take part in the events that will celebrate and give thanks for their role.

Other events include a Service of Remembrance and parade in Cardiff, a Veterans’ parade and concert in Edinburgh, and the opportunity for street parties to take place in cities, towns and villages across the country, recreating the national outpouring of thanksgiving that took place 75 years ago.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “The 75th anniversary of VE Day marks a historic moment for our great country to come together and reflect on the heroes of the Second World War.

“No one will ever forget what they sacrificed in defending our freedom and securing peace across Europe, and we will continue to honour those who contributed at home and abroad.

“This programme of events gives the whole nation a chance to thank all those involved for everything they did – both for those alive today, and for future generations.

“And by commemorating these moments, we can remember and remind ourselves of the fragility of peace, and the need for us all to collectively uphold this.”

Commemorations will begin at Westminster Abbey with a Service of Thanksgiving attended by hundreds of veterans and representatives of the Second World War generation.

At 3pm, an extract from Sir Winston Churchill’s victory speech will be broadcast in public spaces across the UK recreating the iconic moment the Prime Minister announced the end of the war. This will be part of Imperial War Museums’ Voices of War, which includes a series of personal testimonies of people who experienced VE Day taken from the museums’ sound archive.

Second World War veterans and individuals that contributed to the war effort will then take part in a procession down the Mall. Events will conclude in a fly past that will include the Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and other modern aircraft, followed by a tea party for veterans in St James’s Park.

Throughout the weekend, part of St James’s Park will be turned into ‘Victory Park’ where veterans and the public can experience themed events based on life in the UK during the Second World War. A nearby ‘Military Village,’ also situated in St James’s Park, will provide an opportunity for the public to meet serving military personnel who will be there with a display of modern military equipment.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “The VE Day anniversary events will allow the nation to come together and celebrate the greatest generation which saved our nation from tyranny.

“Our nationwide programme will tell the stories of those who served in the Second World War at home and abroad, and honour their memories as we reflect on 75 years since the Allies restored peace in Europe”.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Members of the Armed Forces will be honoured to lead the nation in marking the 75th anniversary of the Victory in Europe in May.

“I hope as many veterans as possible can take their rightful place at the heart of the commemorations in London. We will always remember the selflessness and sacrifice of those who served at home and overseas, both in Europe and further afield, and pay our respects to those who gave their lives.

“The anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day this year will commemorate the end of the war and remind us of the heavy price paid for peace”.

Catherine Davies, Head of Remembrance for The Royal British Legion said: “To mark the anniversary of VE Day this year, the Legion is calling on communities across the UK to come together to honour the Second World War generation and recognise the scale of service and sacrifice made by those both at home and overseas.

“We are inviting all those who contributed to victory in Europe who wish to attend these special commemorations to enter the ballot. In addition to events taking place in London it is equally as important for communities of all types across the UK to come together locally and put our Second World War generation at the heart of your events in recognition of their incredible achievements”.

Last year the UK Government announced the early May Bank Holiday would be moved to Friday 8 May so the public can take part in the nationwide commemorations and recreate the moment 75 years ago when the nation stopped to celebrate Victory in Europe.

In addition to a Bank Holiday, pub licensing hours will be extended until 1am on both Friday 8 May and Saturday 9 May 2020.

In the coming weeks the Government will announce major plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, 15th August, which marked Victory Over Japan and the final end of the Second World War.

Veterans of the Far East campaign will be at the heart of the commemorations as the nation thanks them for their service and sacrifice. Events will also pay tribute to the tens of thousands of service personnel from across the UK and the Commonwealth who fought and died in the war against Japan, including all those who were held as prisoners of war by the Japanese.

A consultation will also be launched tomorrow (24 February) on extending licensing hours to mark the anniversary of VJ Day.

Fair pay for public sector workers?

Guaranteeing a fair deal for the public sector workforce and protecting lower-paid workers underlines the wellbeing focus of this year’s Scottish Budget, according to new Finance Secretary Kate Forbes – but local government trade union UNISON says care workers are being undervalued.

Scottish Government policy decisions mean the starting salaries for staff in a range of public sector professions in Scotland are already higher than in England, including:
• a newly-recruited teacher will earn £26,697 in Scotland, compared to £24,373 in England
• a band 5 staff nurse will earn £24,670 in Scotland, compared to £24,214 in England
• a newly-recruited police officer will earn £26,037 in Scotland, compared to £20,880 – £24,177 in England

The 2020-21 Public Sector Pay Policy published alongside the Budget includes a range of measures to further support the public sector workforce:
• a guaranteed 3% pay uplift for public sector workers earning up to £80,000
• a cash uplift of £750 for public sector workers who earn £25,000 or less
• continuing the Scottish Government’s commitment to the real Living Wage, now set at £9.30 per hour
• limiting to £2,000 the basic pay increase for those earning £80,000 or more

Ms Forbes said: “Wellbeing and fairness are at the heart of this year’s Budget, and promoting the wellbeing of our public sector workers by protecting and increasing their pay is an important part of that.

“This pay policy responds to real-life circumstances, with measures to help us tackle inequalities by protecting the salaries of lower-paid employees. And of course investing in our hardworking public sector workforce will also help deliver top-class public services while supporting jobs and the wider economy.

“I am grateful for the engagement Ministers have had with the trades unions and others, and now hope Parliament will work with us to pass this Budget and reward our vital public sector workers.”

However Local government union UNISON says care workers are being treated unfairly and is campaigning to see better pay and conditions for these key public sector workers.

Christina McAnea, UNISON assistant general secretary, said: “For all the things that are wrong with the care system in this country, we have a workforce that are passionate and committed. They care desperately about the people they look after. That’s a fantastic place to start in trying to build a care system that works.”

But care workers are not treated fairly. Care is in crisis, thanks to a system that has been underfunded and ignored by governments for years. Care workers and the people that they look after are paying the price.

UNISON is campaigning for change and urges councils across the country to sign up to their Ethical Care Charter. The union is fighting to win:

Decent jobs, including:
- A real living wage
- Full pay for sleep-in’s and travel time
- Fair contracts, no zero hours
- Enough time to care
- A safe working environment
Quality standards: A national framework for care, with pay and training linked to standards.
Fair funding: We are building political alliances and public support to get the right solutions for care workers and care users.

Local government umbrella body COSLA says the Scottish Government draft budget falls far short of what it considers a fair settlement for the country’s councils.

COSLA says the draft budget results in a £95m (£300m real terms) cut to revenue and £117m (£130m real terms) cut to capital budgets. The impact of these cuts will continue to be felt. This budget does not recognise the vital role Local Government plays in the economy across Scotland.

COSLA Environment and Economy Spokesperson Councillor Steven Heddle said: “Councils campaigned strongly for an increase in funding so that we can continue to develop local economies that provide fair and accessible work opportunities for everyone.

“Regretfully, the Government has again ignored these warnings and failed to recognise the unique role councils play in growing local economies.

“We are the main employer in almost every local authority in Scotland providing a tenth of Scotland’s workforce. If any other part of the economy was facing the risks we are, the Government would step in.

“When councils have the money to invest in capital projects, the benefits are felt across communities – from training and apprenticeships to support for local supply chains – this year’s Capital Budget will mean these benefits will all be lost.

“Less core revenue funding for economic development support, planning and regulation will also hit communities hard.

“We are calling on the Government and the Parliament to address these concerns, listen to our asks and prevent the loss of essential council services which communities rely upon.”

Don’t ditch those resolutions – 7 Days for £7

Over-indulged this half-term? Why not resolve to get summer fit by taking advantage of Edinburgh Leisure’s offering of a 7-day fitness pass for only £7, giving customers all the benefits of their ‘Full Fitness’ membership.

With 14 gyms, 9 swimming pools and over 800+ fitness classes per week, customers can take advantage of all the benefits of Edinburgh Leisure’s ‘Full Fitness membership at the biggest club in town.

Edinburgh Leisure’s gyms feature some of the latest equipment with on-hand instructors who are happy to show customers ‘the ropes’ and how to use the equipment; have a range of swimming pools from five historic ‘baths’ to the famous Olympic-sized Royal Commonwealth Pool, plus a selection of saunas and steam rooms.

Their range of fitness classes have something for everyone, no matter what your fitness level is, including gym, water-based and virtual sessions, meaning you can work out at a time that suits you.

The 7 Days for £7 pass is available to buy online only from Sunday 23^rd February until Saturday 29^th February. Terms and conditions apply.

For further information:

www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/passes/7-days-for-7-pounds

Blue passports return next month

Britons will be able to travel with a blue passport when the traditional colour returns for the first time in almost 30 years.

The distinctive blue cover will be re-introduced now the UK has left the EU, and will replace burgundy passports which were gradually rolled out from 1988.

The first new passports will be issued and delivered early next month. Full introduction will be phased in and from mid-2020 all new passports will be blue.

The colour is not the only change, in a first for the British passport, the back cover will also carry its own symbolic design – the floral emblems of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales embossed.

The blue passport will also be the greenest British passport ever. The carbon footprint produced through manufacture will be reduced to net zero, through projects such as planting trees.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Leaving the European Union gave us a unique opportunity to restore our national identity and forge a new path in the world.

“By returning to the iconic blue and gold design, the British passport will once again be entwined with our national identity and I cannot wait to travel on one.”

The new passport will also be the most technologically advanced British passport ever, with a raft of new and updated security features, including a hard-wearing, super-strength polycarbonate data page, which contains innovative technologies embedded into the document, to keep personal data secure.

It also includes the latest and most secure printing and design techniques, which means it offers better protection against identity theft and fraud and will be even harder to forge.

The blue cover is a return to the original appearance of the British passport, with the colour first used in 1921.

It remained the colour of choice until the UK joined the EU when a change to burgundy was agreed and adopted.

All British passports will continue to be personalised with the holder’s personal details and photograph in the United Kingdom, ensuring no personal data leaves the country.

Standard passports will continue to contain 34 pages. Frequent traveller ‘Jumbo’ passports will now contain 54 pages.

Those with valid, burgundy passports can continue to use their passport for travel until it expires.

Rejoice … !

Tollcross attack: man to appear in court

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Tollcross. The incident happened on Panmure Place, close to the junction with Brougham Street, at around 11.50pm on Friday.

A 58-year-old man was approached by a man who was walking his dog along Panmure Place. The man struck the victim to the head with a glass bottle before pinning him to the ground, causing further serious injury to his face.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment by the Scottish Ambulance Service with serious facial injuries.

The suspect is described as white, around 5ft 8ins tall, aged between 30 and 40-years-old, and of stocky build. He was wearing a dark jacket and was walking a small brown coloured terrier-type dog.

Detective Constable Oliver Healy, of Gayfield CID, said: “There were a number of people around the area when this incident happened and we are appealing for them to get in touch if they saw what happened.

“As part of our enquiries we are reviewing CCTV footage in the area and would ask anyone with private or business systems to check their footage for the incident.

“We would also appeal to anyone who saw the suspect walking his dog prior to, or after the incident last night, or who can identify him, to come forward and contact officers as soon as possible.”

Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4790 of 21st February, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A 47 year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with this serious assault and he is due before Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow – Monday, 24 February.

A full report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.