Day: February 25, 2020

Disgraced David Steel to quit House of Lords following Child Abuse report

HOUSE OF SHAME

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has published it’s Westminster report, which finds political institutions have SIGNIFICANTLY FAILED in their responses to allegations of child sexual abuse for decades.

This includes failing to recognise abuse, turning a blind eye to it, covering up allegations and actively protecting high-profile offenders, including politicians.

On the publication of the damning report former Liberal leader David Steel  announced he would quit the House of Lords – something he should have considered a long, long, time ago. Indeed, it’s a damning indictment of the ‘jobs for the boys’ mentality of the Palace of Westminster that he ever sat in the Upper House at all.

Steel was condemned by the inquiry for failing to alert authorities to the brutal crimes of paedophile MP Cyril Smith.

During three weeks of public hearings last year, the Inquiry heard from survivors, whistleblowers, cabinet ministers, MPs and police officers among others.

There has clearly been a significant problem with deference towards people of public prominence, from the Whips’ offices to the police and prosecutors, although the investigation found no evidence of an organised paedophile network at the heart of government.

For example, in the 1970s and 1980s, MPs including Sir Cyril Smith and Sir Peter Morrison were known to be active in their sexual interest in children, but were protected from prosecution.

Giving evidence, former Liberal Party leader Lord Steel said that because allegations against Smith had arisen before he joined the party, he saw “no reason, or no locus to go back to [it]”. This failure to recognise the risks was an abdication of responsibility, and the fact the offences were non-recent was irrelevant.

Incredibly, despite knowing that Smith was guilty of serial child sex abuse, Steel nominated deviant Smith for a knighthood – and later went on to receive high honours himself.

‘Sir’ Cyril Smith died in 2010 and never faced justice for his crimes.

Steel was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 1990 and was later ‘ennobled’,becoming a life peer with the grand title of Baron Steel of Aikwood. Steel also enjoyed the trappings of office as the Scottish Parliament’s first Presiding Officer. Now, given Steel’s role in this murkiest of affairs, it can only be hoped that his high-falutin titles will swiftly be withdrawn.

Steel may be the most high profile, but he is not the only politician to be exposed by the report.

Senior officials within the Conservative party knew about allegations concerning Peter Morrison for years but did not pass them on to police. Instead, he became Margaret Thatcher’s Parliamentary Private Secretary in 1990 and was knighted a year later.

Victor Montagu, the former MP for South Dorset and 10th Earl of Sandwich, was let off with a caution after a 10-year-old boy alleged he had indecently assaulted him. Montagu’s son Robert, who he also sexually abused for over five years, said the decision not to prosecute was “entirely wrong and very indicative of the attitude towards people in public positions”.

The report concludes that these are examples of a political culture which values its reputation far higher than the fate of the children involved.

All in the past? Surely Westminster has cleaned up it’s act? Sadly not.

As recently as 2017, Green Party election candidate Aimee Challenor was able to appoint her father as election agent, despite the fact that he had been charged with sexually assaulting a child and was later convicted.

The Inquiry also investigated the Paedophile Information Exchange (PIE), which campaigned in the 1970s to lower the age of consent, as well as public acceptance of paedophilia.

A number of its members sexually abused children, including Sir Peter Hayman, a former High Commissioner to Canada.

The report concludes that PIE was given foolish and misguided support for several years by organisations who should have known better, such as the National Council for Civil Liberties and the Albany Trust.

The report makes five recommendations, including ensuring all political parties have comprehensive safeguarding policies and procedures. It also calls on the Cabinet Office to re-examine its policy on the posthumous forfeiture of honours.

https://youtu.be/riS9449z_SQ

Chair of the Inquiry, Professor Alexis Jay OBE, said: “It is clear to see that Westminster institutions have repeatedly failed to deal with allegations of child sexual abuse, from turning a blind eye to actively shielding abusers.

“A consistent pattern emerged of failures to put the welfare of children above political status although we found no evidence of an organised network of paedophiles within government.

“We hope this report and its recommendations will lead political institutions to prioritise the needs and safety of vulnerable children.”

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Police seek couple following Carrubbers Close assault

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault in Carrubbers Close off the Royal Mile. The incident happened around 12.00am last Saturday (22 February), when a 28 year old man suffered significant facial injuries which required hospital treatment.

Officers are keen to speak to a man and woman who may be able to assist with enquiries.

The man described as being 25-35 years old, of slim build, with short curly hair wearing black clothing.

The woman is described as being 25-35 years old, of slim build, long dark hair wearing a hooded jacket and in possession of a black hand bag.

Constable Jonathan Goldring, of Gayfield Square Police Station, 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 description of the suspects above’.

Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0802 of 22 February 2020, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Kayla receives Edinburgh College Development Trust STEM scholarship

An Edinburgh College HND Engineering Systems student has been awarded a scholarship which will see her working alongside College staff to inspire thousands of pupils to consider STEM careers.

Kayla Ho, who studies at the College’s Midlothian Campus, has been named the David Doig Foundation STEM scholar for 2020 following a successful interview. Kayla’s role is to help deliver the College’s STEM Inspiration Experience programme to P7, S1 and S2 pupils for the remainder of term 2019/20.

The Edinburgh College Development Trust originally received funding from the David Doig Foundation to run the scholarship in 2018. Kayla is the second scholar and will use the opportunity to boost her CV and gain work experience in working as part of a team and with young people from across the region.

Nineteen-year-old Kayla will work with College staff each week to deliver STEM Inspiration Days where pupils take part in a range of activities such as:

  • Exploring gravity and g-force. Students launch eggs attached to parachutes from height to see which ones survive. This uses everyday objects to make the science tangible, accessible, interactive and fun.
  • The Bloodhound Rocket Car Challenge. This is part of the national engagement project around the Bloodhound land-speed record attempt, giving pupils the opportunity to design, build and race their own rocket cars. They learn about physics, aerodynamics, design and the mechanisms of speed.
  • Bridge building where pupils design and build a two-foot cardboard bridge and test it using a heavy car model.

Embedded within each of these sessions is the importance of Maths and its application in Engineering and Science.

Gillian Doig, who founded the David Doig Foundation in memory of her late husband who was an alumnus of Telford College, said: “Congratulations to Kayla on becoming our second STEM scholar.

“We’re very proud to fund this project which will bring benefits to Kayla in terms of work experience but also to so many young people across Edinburgh and Lothians.

“My late husband was a champion of, engineering, education and social responsibility and this scholarship represents this brilliantly. We look forward to hearing how Kayla progresses through her scholarship, as well as her future career.”

Kayla, who is from Edinburgh, said: “It’s brilliant to be this year’s STEM scholar. I’ve had previous experience with working with young people, but the opportunity to teach them STEM and Engineering-related disciplines is new and exciting, and will be great for my CV.”

Looking to the future, Kayla is hoping to progress to Edinburgh Napier University where she will go into the third year of an Energy and Environmental Engineering course and hopes to secure work in the fast-growing Scottish renewables sector.

She said: “With Scotland, and the world, moving to renewable energy sources, it made sense to pursue this career path. I want to be able to discover new ground-breaking ways of working and make the world a better place.”

Five years of Scottish Attainment Challenge

Deputy First Minister John Swinney will deliver a key education speech this week marking the fifth anniversary of the Scottish Attainment Challenge. The speech comes just days after the government was accused of ‘sneaking out’ news of falling exam pass rates. 

The First Minister launched the Scottish Attainment Challenge in February 2015 to help close the poverty-related attainment gap in Scotland. The Attainment Scotland Fund was established to support the Scottish Attainment Challenge in 2015.  This is a £750 million commitment over the course of this parliamentary term.

In his address to headteachers and key education leaders, Mr Swinney will reflect on progress made in closing the attainment gap and provide an update on the forthcoming review of the Curriculum for Excellence.

Mr Swinney will also thank headteachers, practitioners and local authorities for their commitment and innovation in raising attainment.

He said: “As we mark the fifth year of the Scottish Attainment Challenge we must reflect on our journey and look ahead to what we hope to achieve in the coming years.

“Our measures are making a tangible impact and I am proud of the work undertaken by headteachers and others to break down barriers to learning and raise the attainment of children in our schools.

“We have seen 88% of headteachers report improvements in closing the attainment gap directly as a result of our investment and we are seeing increased cohesion and collaboration across local authorities and schools. Pupil Equity Funding is also empowering our Headteachers to make the decisions that directly improve the life chances of our young people.

“We are also seeing steady, incremental gains in attainment across the broad general education. This is in line with the sustainable progress we would expect to see at this stage, according to international experts.

“As the International Council of Education Advisers have set out – Scotland is heading in the right direction but achieving equity and excellence is a long-term task. We now need a period of consolidation and sustainability to ensure that our reforms have the chance to become properly embedded in our education system.”

In his speech Mr Swinney will reflect on progress made since the introduction of the Challenge, including:

  • the latest Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Level (ACEL) data which shows attainment among the most disadvantaged pupils rose in numeracy, reading and writing at P1, P4 and P7
  • feedback from headteachers which shows 88% percent have reported improvements in closing the poverty-related attainment gap as a result of the Scottish Attainment Challenge
  • feedback from headteachers in which 95% have indicated they expect to see further improvements over the next 5 years
  • the latest PISA stats which reported that pupils’ social backgrounds have less of an influence on reading and maths attainment in Scotland than the OECD average

STV Productions is seeking home owners to uncover treasures

Do you have a house to clear out?

And would you like to be part of an exciting new TV show? 

STV Productions is seeking home owners in Edinburgh to uncover treasures

STV Productions is searching for people who are clearing out their homes in and around the Edinburgh area to take part in an exciting new television series, which is being made for Discovery-owned channel, Really, and STV.

The producers of this heart warming show would love to chat to people who are downsizing, emigrating or have inherited a property – or indeed need to clear their house for any other reason.

Fronted by Angus Ashworth, the expert auctioneer will help bring to life the human story of these house clearances at what is often an emotional time. Every clearance can uncover treasures, such as Persian rugs gathering dust in the garage, war medals and wedding crystal forgotten in the loft, even fossils and rare collectables.

Those taking part will then be put in touch with Ryedale Auctioneers where they can decide if they want to go ahead with auction – and they might make a bit of cash along the way!

Every episode will tell stories and celebrate those hidden gems in what is guaranteed to be a surprising and uplifting journey of discovery.

Presenter and Yorkshire auctioneer Angus Ashworth, said: “I’m so delighted to be part of this new series.  Clearing houses is something of a passion but equally I can’t wait to meet new people and hear their stories as we explore the contents of the houses, hopefully unearthing some hidden gems.

“It’s amazing what treasures can be found in amongst the clutter or hiding in an attic.  If they’re there, we’ll find them.

“It’s a privilege to be invited into people’s homes and I’m sure there are lots of people out there who need help with a clearance – so please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you and have a chat.”

If you’d like to take part in this new series get in touch with takepart@clearout.tv or call 0141 300 3214 for an initial chat.

Newhaven’s newest brasserie offers exclusive discount for locals

AN EXCLUSIVE offer is set to put a Newhaven restaurant on the map as it welcomes in the neighbouring community after a successful launch.

Locals are in for a treat as Pier Brasserie will be giving 10% off the total bill to anyone who can prove that they are a resident in the EH5 and EH6 postcode area until 31 March.

Pier Brasserie’s visionary Mark Patonyi, one of the city’s most esteemed restaurant managers, overseen a £100,000+ transformation at the iconic site overlooking Newhaven Pier – a location fast becoming one of Edinburgh’s foodie destinations.

The promotion comes after a popular launch in February which saw VIP guests, influencers and journalists enjoy canapés, cocktails and live cooking demonstrations from Executive Chef Vladimir Garcik, formerly of Edinburgh’s Steak restaurant.

36-year-old owner, Mark Patonyi said: “It’s been a busy few weeks at Pier Brasserie since opening, although I have had very little sleep, I have loved every second of the process and it’s amazing to have finally opened our doors to guests, after what has been a long transformational project.

“To kick-start our opening we’re offering 10% off the bill to locals with the EH5 and EH6 postcode as our way of giving something back to the local community who have been so welcoming in our first few weeks.

“We hope our bar and grill can soon become a local gem in the community, for families, date-night drinks, and lovers of fine beers. We want to provide a welcoming spot for all, from vegans and vegetarians, to seafood lovers and steak aficionados.

“We are really lucky to have this striking location which makes for a really serene setting – we have already had our first proposal after only being open for two days which was a roaring success, and of course she said yes!

“Hopefully this discount will encourage more people down to this beautiful part of the city”.

Mark is inspired by the famous Newhaven fishwives that thronged the Pier Place building, which dates back to 1896. Famed for their sharp-tongues and quick wits, they established a strong, vibrant community.

He added: “We’re proud to use the finest Scottish ingredients which have been farmed, caught, raised or bred in Scotland and we’re passionate about supporting businesses in our local area.”

The new spot will fit in excess of 70 covers and has a separate bar area with the design focused around natural tones and exposed materials, creating a warm shelter from which to admire the expansive Forth.

A private dining area will also enable Pier Brasserie to take larger bookings for special occasions and corporate dinners.

For more information about Pier Brasserie or to book online visit: https://www.pierbrasserie.com/ or follow us on Facebook @pierbrasserie and Instagram @pierbrasserie

Home Office imposes sanctions on Edinburgh lab

The Home Office has formally inspected Charles River Laboratories and sanctioned it for violating animal welfare regulations. The action follows a complaint filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

PETA uncovered shocking allegations regarding the extreme suffering and death of rats at the company’s Elphinstone location, near Edinburgh, after being approached by a whistle-blower who worked there.

Because of the severity of the incidents reported, PETA is urging the Home Office to revoke Charles Rivers Laboratories’ licence to experiment on animals.

According to the whistle-blower, the company reportedly crushed approximately 100 to 120 live rats – including pregnant females – in a rubbish compressor and administered the wrong dose of a compound to rats who were used in a cancer experiment.

It allegedly forced other rats to inhale a highly toxic compound in doses that exceeded the agreed maximum – and consequently, one distressed female chewed off an entire toe. More information about the reported welfare violations can be found here.

“Charles River Laboratories apparently can’t be trusted to follow the minimal laws that protect animals in laboratories, and the punishment should fit the crime,” says PETA Science Policy Adviser Dr Julia Baines.

“PETA is calling for the Home Office to revoke the company’s licence to inflict pain, misery, and death on animals immediately and for money to be invested in a new wave of science – one that’s effective, human-relevant, and animal-free.”

The Home Office confirmed that inspections have taken place and that ‘appropriate sanctions’ have been applied.

Charles River Laboratories responded: “The survival rates for major diseases are at an all-time high due in part to the discovery of new medicines and therapies. The use of animal research models remains a vital component of these discoveries and is required by international regulatory agencies.

“We are deeply committed to animal welfare and exceeding international standards for the care of research models under our stewardship. We are committed to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) and, when possible, our goal is to reduce the number of animals used.”

PETA – whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to experiment on” – notes that across the UK, millions of animals are locked inside barren laboratory cages, poisoned, burned, cut open, traumatised, and infected with diseases while they suffer from extreme frustration and loneliness.

Few experiments – no matter how painful or irrelevant – are prohibited by law, and almost all animals used in tests are later killed.

PETA supports the use of scientifically and ethically sound methods that better protect humans, animals, and the environment. For more information, please visit PETA.org.uk.

Sharp rise in DVLA scams

DVLA has revealed a 20% rise in scams reported to their contact centre, with 1,538 reports about suspected vehicle tax scams during the last 3 months of 2019.

DVLA has released pictures of some of the cons being used by scammers to trick motorists into handing over their money.

It comes as new figures show a 20% increase in scams reported to DVLA, with 1,538 reports made to agency in the last three months of 2019.

The reports of suspected web, email, text or social media scams were up from 1,275 in the same period in 2018. DVLA has released the images of recent scams reported to help motorists be aware of what to look out for and issue a clear warning that if something offered online or by text message appears too good to be true, then it almost certainly is.

Scammers are targeting unsuspecting customers with links to services that don’t exist and messages of tax refunds, all of which are fake.

The reports also show that driver and vehicle documents are for sale on the internet. DVLA is advising anyone with concerns about any calls, texts, emails or suspicious activity online, to always report these to the police via Action Fraud immediately.

DVLA chief information security officer David Pope said: “We’ve released examples of real life scams to help motorists understand when a scam is at work. These websites and messages are designed to trick people into believing they can access services that simply don’t exist such as removing penalty points from driving licences.

“All our tax refunds are generated automatically after a motorist has told us they have sold, scrapped or transferred their vehicle to someone else so we don’t ask for anyone to get in touch with us to claim their refund.

“We want to protect the public and if something seems too good to be true, then it almost certainly is. The only trusted source of DVLA information is GOV.UK

“It is also important to remember never to share images on social media that contain personal information, such as your driving licence and vehicle documents.”

A spokesperson for Action Fraud said: “This can be a stressful time of year, sorting out finances for the year ahead. Fraudsters are aware of this and are using different ways to trick people.

“Taking a couple of minutes to familiarise yourself with a few simple online safety tips can be significant in protecting yourself from becoming a victim of online fraud.

“You should always be cautious when sharing personal information online and avoid being scammed by only using GOV.UK for government services online, such as the DVLA.

“If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please report it to us.”