This year’s theme is Nature
Mental Health Awareness Week
Month: May 2021
‘Scottish democracy is alive and well’
Local Government Information Unit comments on Holyrood results
KIM FELLOWS, Commissioning Editor, Local Government Information Unit Scotland, comments on the Holyrood elections:
The votes are counted and results declared for an unusual election following hot on the heels of an extraordinary year.
Local government has been at the heart of the response to the pandemic, working 24/7 for months and months. This year’s elections were a further example of how local government stepped up and delivered a safe election and protected democracy.
We must offer our thanks to staff that worked hard to deliver the results. Use of postal votes was at a record high and turnout in Scotland was also at a record high, leading some pundits to suggest that elements of this approach might be preserved. Also in Scotland, 16 year olds, refugees and asylum seekers were given the opportunity to vote, an inclusive approach.
SNP were declared as the winners with 64 seats out of a possible 129. 64 seats represents a workable majority for the SNP as from the remaining 65 seats a non voting presiding officer has to be elected.
This is a record fourth term and a strong showing for the ruling government. In Wales, Labour recorded a record sixth win with 30 seats out of a possible 60, also a working majority.
This now confirms what many suggest, Scotland and Wales with their respective Parliament and Assembly represent different nations within the UK, nations with different political mandates. Boris Johnson is suggesting talks with his counterparts; I wonder what they will talk about?
The new Scottish Parliament with 64 SNP MSPs and a record 8 Green MSPs might look from the outside to be similar to the last one.
However, some facts for you to consider, SP21 has the highest number of women MSPs elected in its history at 45%, that increase is largely due to SNP 53%, Greens 63%, Labour 45%.
As well as being more female, the MSPs are slightly younger. Also, voters returned women of colour and a permanent wheelchair user. These facts indicate a potential for Holyrood 2021 to be more representative of the people who voted for it and perhaps be more prepared to work together to deliver for Scotland.
It is always fascinating and a little amusing to watch and listen to London centric commentators describe the voting system for Scotland and Wales.
However, Krishnan Guru Murthy put it so well, “Judging the results by whether the SNP wins a majority seems rather a unionist prism.”
The Scottish Parliament system was designed to make getting a majority extremely difficult and that was a decision taken to encourage cross party, consensus political working to tackle the intractable policy issues faced by Scotland.
I know from personal experience that the delivery of a healthy school meals policy and legislation in the first Scottish Parliament was achieved by cross party consensus, not a single party majority. This was also the case for the smoking ban and more recently the groundbreaking period poverty private members bill.
Voters have spoken. The Alba project failed to gain a seat. George Galloway failed to gain a seat. These facts should not be forgotten when the London centric media try to comment on democracy and devolution in Scotland and Wales.
Scottish democracy is alive and well, the record turnout from people in Scotland has shown they are interested in who represents them and what their values are.
A number of councillors are now new MSPs and I have seen heartfelt pleas from colleagues to remember where they came from. In an election where local government barely got a mention, we at LGIU are waiting to hear what the new Scottish Government has planned. We will continue to bring you all the latest news.
After May 13th, when all MSPs take their pledges to the people of Scotland, we will want to know how the new government they put their trust in will deliver on the promises made and build a recovery for a fairer, just and inclusive Scotland.
First meeting of new parliament to take place on Thursday
The first meeting of the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament will take place on Thursday 13 May.
Writing to party leaders following the weekend election count, the Parliament’s Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Ken Macintosh, has announced that newly elected MSPs will be sworn in on Thursday 13 May. The elections for the Parliament’s new Presiding Officer will also take place that day.
The Presiding Officer has the power to set the date under the Scottish General Election (Coronavirus) Act 2021. In deciding on the date the Parliament will first sit, the Presiding Officer consulted with both the Electoral Commission and Electoral Management Board.
Further details of the Parliament’s first days will be issued early this week.
TEXT OF LETTER FROM PRESIDING OFFICER TO PARTY LEADERS
I am writing in relation to my role under Section 9 of the Scottish General Election (Coronavirus) Act 2021 to “fix the day on which the Parliament is first to meet after the poll for the 2021 election”.
Following consultation with the Electoral Commission and Electoral Management Board, as required under the Act, I am pleased to announce that I am now able to fix the date of the first meeting of Parliament as Thursday 13 May, when newly elected Members will be sworn in and elect a new Presiding Officer.
Colleagues can expect to receive further information on the arrangements for both items of business from the Parliamentary Business Team in the coming days.
This date will now be made public and announced in the Business Bulletin.
I understand that this is a time of mixed emotions and fortunes for your parties and candidates. I would however like to take the opportunity to thank you for your support and co-operation throughout the last session and to also pass on my best wishes for whatever the next five years hold for you and your parties and for the Parliament.
Police appeal after van driver fails to stop after collision on bypass
Appeal to trace van driver who hit car on city bypass and drove off
Police are asking the driver of a white van which was involved in a minor crash with a black BMW on the A720, city bypass, just before the Old Craighall junction, to get in touch.
The incident happened at around 5.25pm on Thursday, 6 May as both vehicles were driving eastbound. The driver of a white Renault van has cut in from lane two to lane one and on doing so has hit the BMW, causing damage to vehicle and then continued on its journey east on the A720. The driver and his teenage passenger in the car were uninjured.
Anyone who was driving on the A720 on Thursday evening and could have dash cam footage of the incident, or who saw either vehicle prior too, or after the collision, if asked to contact officers.
The driver of the van is asked to contact police as soon as possible. Those who can help should contact Police Scotland via 101 and quote incident number 2417 of 6 May
Sir David Attenborough named COP26 People’s Advocate
- Broadcaster and natural historian to work with the UK as host of COP26 to inspire action in the run up to the summit
- Sir David will address world leaders and the public ahead of and at Glasgow in November
- This appointment marks the pivotal moment of 6 months to go to COP26.
Sir David Attenborough becomes COP26 People’s Advocate for the UK’s Presidency of the UN climate change summit in Glasgow this November.
With six months to go before the UK brings world leaders together for key climate talks, the renowned natural historian and broadcaster will put forward the compelling case to global leaders, key decision makers and the public for why climate action matters, to evidence the progress underway, and to highlight the actions decision makers will need to take ahead of and at COP26.
He will address world leaders at major international events over the next six months, including the G7 Summit in Cornwall in June, to firmly put climate and the protection of nature at the top of their agenda, and he has also been invited to address world leaders and the public at the Glasgow Summit – the most important climate meeting since the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Sir David Attenborough has already inspired millions of people in the UK and around the world with his passion and knowledge to act on climate change and protect the planet for future generations.
“There is no better person to build momentum for further change as we approach the COP26 climate summit in November. I am hugely grateful to Sir David for agreeing to be our People’s Advocate.”
On being appointed COP26 People’s Advocate, Sir David Attenborough said: “I am greatly honoured to be given the role of People’s Advocate. There could not be a more important moment that we should have international agreement.
“The epidemic has shown us how crucial it is to find agreement among nations if we are to solve such worldwide problems. But the problems that await us within the next 5 – 10 years are even greater.
“It is crucial that these meetings in Glasgow, COP26, have success, and that at last the nations will come together to solve the crippling problems that the world now faces.
Sir David has previously stressed the importance of COP26. Addressing the UN Security Council in February, on the invitation of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, he described COP26 as possibly “our last opportunity to make the necessary step-change” towards protecting the planet.
COP26 President-Designate, Alok Sharma, said: “Climate change is the greatest threat facing humanity and the stakes could not be higher for our planet. The next decade will be make, or break, for cutting global emissions sufficiently to avoid the worst effects of climate change.
“That is why I am delighted to be working with Sir David, a hero for our country and our planet, to inspire action ahead of COP26.”
The appointment comes as Alok Sharma is urging governments, international organisations, businesses, and civil society to accelerate bold pledges ahead of the summit, to put the world on a path to net zero emissions by mid-century.
Demystifying Death Week
Demystifying Death Week, 10 – 16 May, is about giving people knowledge, skills & opportunities to plan & support each other through death, dying, loss & care.
@StColumbas will be taking part in the Week’s activities.
St Columba’s Hospice Care is pleased to be supporting Demystifying Death Week (10-16 May), shining a light on death, dying and bereavement in Scotland.
Demystifying Death Week is about giving people knowledge, skills and opportunities to plan and support each other through death, dying, loss and care. Here in Scotland, the Week is organised by Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief as part of the Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care (SPPC) and it runs in parallel to Dying Matters week in England.
“If people know a bit more about death and dying, they’re in a better position to take control of their own situation, support others, make plans and have informed decisions about what they’d want when the time comes,” said Rebecca Patterson, Director of Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief.
At St Columba’s, our Supportive Care and Compassionate Communities teams and wider Hospice community will be engaging with Demystifying Death Week through supporting and taking part in the programme of activities. We wanted to share these with you in case you would like to sign up for any of the events too.
Here are some of the workshops and webinars available:
Unexpected Consequences: A Webinar on Bereavement: Tuesday 11 May, 13:30 to 15:15
Topics:
- People dying at home during Covid (Dr Jan Savinc, Napier University)
- How disenfranchised grief has been affected by Covid-19 (Paul Parsons, Adult Bereavement Coordinator for St Christopher’s Hospice)
- Digital Accessibility and the impact on grief (Donna Hastings, Child and Families Worker for St Columba’s Hospice Care, Edinburgh)
Loss & the Creative Arts: Music, Poetry & other Arts as Expression of Grief: Thursday 13 May 2021, 13:00 to 15:00
This is an event for Dying Matters Week, chaired by Professor Lynne Gabriel and Dr John Wilson of York St John University Counselling and Mental Health Centre, who will introduce the work of (in alphabetical order):
- Laura Fitton, Nursing sister and published poet who works with Covid19 on the NHS front line
- Kev Fitzpatrick, singer songwriter,
- Sioux Hill, bereaved by Covid, singer with the Alone Together Choir
- Mick Jenkinson. singer songwriter and published poet
- Liam Meyer NHS worker and founder of the Alone Together Choir, as seen on BBC News
- Sarah Villeneau, ceramicist whose work is both beautiful and macabre
The event will be of interest to those who are grieving and anyone who works with death, dying, bereavement and grief, including counsellors, bereavement supporters and volunteers who are interested in working more creatively. The event will include a question and answer session.
Find out more
You may also be interested in accesssing a series of free webinars offered by Child Bereavement UK for professionals working with children and young people in Scotland:
Find out more about Demystifying Death Week via the Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief website here:
Please find more info on our website: https://stcolumbashospice.org.uk/news/
Funeral directors still not being clear about their prices, Which? research reveals
Funeral directors are not disclosing the prices of their services transparently, despite being put on notice by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) that changes were needed, Which? research has found.
A lack of transparency about the cost of their services puts vulnerable customers at risk of paying inflated prices and could lead to many more people spending over the odds. The CMA is currently consulting on the details of new requirements, which it is proposing will come into effect in September 2021.
Fears over vulnerable customers paying inflated prices led the CMA to investigate funeral directors’ costs in 2018.
Its final report, published in December 2020, stated that “ongoing uncertainty as to the future path of the pandemic” meant that it has “not been feasible to design and calibrate the price controls” that it had been considering.
However its proposed remedies did include a requirement for funeral directors and crematorium operators to disclose prices in a manner that will help customers make more informed decisions.
But the consumer champion’s research from February into 112 funeral directors found that a quarter (29) of them didn’t include pricing on their websites.
Of those that did show their prices, information was often not presented in a consistent way, making it difficult for consumers to understand how their money was being spent.
Around 40 funeral directors showed package costs with a description of what’s included but provided no cost break down. Only 18 showed itemised price lists.
Concerningly, even those signed up to the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), members of which sign up to a code of practice that expects them to disclose prices online, weren’t always transparent with their costs. Of the NAFD members Which? analysed, a third (11) didn’t disclose their pricing online.
A spokesperson for the NAFD said: “We are reviewing the CMA’s draft Order in respect of online pricing to make sure we align our online member directory capabilities to the Order.
“We are likely to introduce enforcement on those provisions of our new Code in September, at the same time as the CMA’s requirements become law.”
The CMA has stated that a remedies package will be introduced by legal order and that the statutory deadline for this being made is 17 June 2021.
Measures include letting those arranging a funeral know in advance the price they will pay and the terms of their business, and what services they will be getting for that price. Standardised price lists and additional option price lists should also be made clearly available in funeral directors’ branches as well as online if they have websites.
The CMA has said it will be keeping a close eye on the sector to ensure the remedies are properly implemented. Which? believes that a lack of price transparency from funeral directors so far suggests this monitoring will be essential to ensure better outcomes for consumers.
Jenny Ross, Editor of Which? Money, said: “Organising a funeral is already a stressful time for families – that stress shouldn’t be compounded by the fear of paying inflated prices.
“Our research shows that many funeral directors are simply not showing their costs transparently.
“To avoid more vulnerable people paying more than they should, funeral directors must do the right thing and be up front about the cost of their services.”
Heart Research UK: Health Tips
BLOOD PRESSURE
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK
Check Your Blood Pressure
One in three people in the UK has high blood pressure (hypertension), however many people are unaware of it as there are usually no symptoms. High blood pressure increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to have it measured. We explain what blood pressure is and provide some tips for keeping your blood pressure healthy.
What is high blood pressure?
When blood pressure is measured, two numbers are generated. An ideal blood pressure is below 120/80 millimetres of mercury (mmHg). The first number is the systolic blood pressure (higher number), which is the force at which blood is being pumped around your body. Ideally, this will be below 120. A systolic blood pressure of 140 or more is regarded as high.
The second number is the diastolic blood pressure (lower number) which is the pressure when your heart is at rest, in between beats. Ideally this will be 80 or lower. A diastolic reading of 90 or above is regarded as high. The lower your blood pressure, the lower your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Get your blood pressure checked
The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to have it checked. Blood pressure checks are quick and easy, and it could be lifesaving. Adults aged 40 years or over should aim to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years.
You can ask your GP to check your blood pressure, or you may be able to have your blood pressure checked with your local pharmacy. You could also consider investing in a home blood pressure monitor.
What can I do to maintain a healthy blood pressure?
- Maintain a healthy weight by eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of physical activity.
- Reduce the amount of salt in your diet to no more than 6g a day (1 teaspoon). Look at the amount of salt on food labels and avoid choosing snacks that are high in salt.
- Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
- Keep your alcohol consumption within the recommended limits of no more than 14 units a week, spread over three or more days.
- Aim to do 150 minutes of moderate activity (e.g. brisk walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (e.g. running) each week plus some strengthening activities (e.g. lifting weights) at least twice a week.
- Get a good night’s sleep.
Edinburgh’s Scottish Parliament Election 2021 results
The Scottish Parliament Election results for Edinburgh’s six constituencies and the Lothian Region were finally confirmed at the Royal Highland Centre on Saturday evening.
The Members of Scottish Parliament for each constituency and the Lothian Region List results are listed in full below and full details of the results are on the city council’s election pages:
Edinburgh results by constituency:
Edinburgh Central Constituency: Angus Robertson, Scottish National Party
Edinburgh Eastern Constituency: Ash Denham, Scottish National Party
Edinburgh Northern & Leith Constituency: Ben Macpherson, Scottish National Party
Edinburgh Pentlands Constituency: Gordon MacDonald, Scottish National Party
Edinburgh South Constituency: Daniel Johnson, Scottish Labour Party
Edinburgh Western Constituency: Alex Cole-Hamilton, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Lothian Region List Results
(Based on votes from the nine Lothian Region constituencies: Edinburgh Central, Edinburgh Eastern, Edinburgh Northern & Leith, Edinburgh Pentlands, Edinburgh South, Edinburgh Western, Midlothian North & Musselburgh, Almond Valley and Linlithgow).
Votes cast across region: 395,037. Turnout: 64.2%)
Candidate and Party
Miles Briggs, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green Party
Sue Webber, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Sarah Boyack, Scottish Labour Party
Jeremy Balfour, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Foysol Choudhury Scottish Labour Party
Lorna Slater, Scottish Green Party.
(3 Conservative, 2 Greens and 2 Labour elected from Lothians list)
Returning Officer Andrew Kerr announced the results for Edinburgh Central, Edinburgh Southern and Edinburgh Western on Friday 7 May and the results for Edinburgh Eastern, Edinburgh Pentlands and Edinburgh Northern and Leith as well as the list/Region vote were declared on Saturday 8 May.
He said: “The 2021 Scottish Parliamentary Election has felt very different from previous elections and it is down to the hard work of many Council staff, particularly the Election Team, that this election has run so smoothly in Edinburgh.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved, along with Police Scotland, the candidates and their agents, who have cooperated throughout the process.
“It has been a huge undertaking this year as we’ve had to adapt, putting in extensive additional Covid-19 health and safety measures to help keep everyone involved safe. I would also like to thank the public for turning out in record numbers to have their say, helping to ensure representative vote for the capital.”
This year more than 300 people worked at the election count at the Royal Highland Centre, while a further 900 worked during the day at the city’s 140 polling places.
For further details of the results and the Scottish Parliament Election, please visit the Elections section of the Council website.
Two-thirds of UK adults receive first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
- Two-thirds of UK adults – 35 million – have now been vaccinated with a first dose of a COVID-19 jab
- More than 16.7 million people in the UK vaccinated with a second dose of a COVID-19 jab
- Public urged to get the jab when their time comes and do their bit to send the virus into retreat
Two-thirds of UK adults have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Health services across the UK have now administered a total of 51.8 million vaccines between 8 December and 7 May, including 35 million people with their first dose (66.6%) and 16.7 million with their second (31.8%).
The government met its target of vaccinating the most vulnerable by 15 April, and remains on track to offer a first dose to all adults by the end of July.
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “This has been a truly national effort, with NHS and care staff and volunteers coming together across the UK to deliver the vaccine at an incredible pace, saving thousands of lives.
“One jab at a time, the approved vaccines are helping to send this virus into retreat, with coronavirus cases and deaths now at their lowest levels since the start of the pandemic. I strongly encourage everyone to take up the offer when it comes so we can put this pandemic behind us.”
Data from Public Health England’s real-world study shows the vaccines are already having a significant impact in the UK, reducing hospitalisations and deaths, saving more than 10,000 lives in England by the end of March.
The latest vaccine effectiveness data from PHE show that in those aged over 70, both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines reduce the risk of getting symptomatic disease by around 60% after a single dose.
This protection lasts for several weeks. In those aged over 80, protection against hospitalisation is around 80% and the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is 85% effective at stopping people aged over 80 dying from COVID-19.
Data from the ONS and Oxford University shows that COVID-19 infections fell significantly, by 65% after the first dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca or Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines, rising further after the second dose.
Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: Two thirds of the adult population have now been vaccinated with one dose in the UK – an incredible achievement.
“It is now more important than ever to come forward for the second dose, so we can ensure everyone has the absolute strongest possible protection from this dreadful virus.
“I encourage everyone to book their jab as soon as they’re offered it, and to come back for their second dose. It’s never too late to come forward if you are eligible.”
An extra 60 million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine have been secured by the UK government to help support preparations for the booster COVID-19 vaccination programme from the autumn if clinically needed.
All vaccines being used in the UK have met the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s strict standards of safety, effectiveness and quality.
Rolling reviews are underway by the MHRA to assess the Janssen and Novavax vaccines.
Approved vaccines are available from thousands of NHS vaccine centres, GP practices and pharmacies. Vaccinations are taking place at sites including mosques, community centres and football stadiums.