Day: July 6, 2021

Ellesmere Port to support sustainable mobility through the production of all-electric vehicles

  • Ellesmere Port to become Stellantis’s first manufacturing site dedicated to battery electric LCV and passenger car models for Vauxhall, Opel, Peugeot and Citroën
  • Industrial performance improvements as a result of strong cooperation between the company, the Unite Union and, most importantly, the workforce
  • Stellantis £100million investment supported by the UK government to secure an all-electric future for the plant
  • Ambition for Ellesmere Port plant to be carbon neutral by mid-decade
  • Ellesmere Port to support Stellantis Europe’s leading LCV position
  • Vauxhall continuing its tradition of manufacturing vehicles in the UK, which started in 1903

Stellantis announces today a £100million investment in Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port manufacturing plant to transform the site for a new era in electric vehicle manufacturing. 

Ellesmere Port will become the first Stellantis plant to produce a solely battery-electric model, in both commercial and passenger versions, by the end of next year, for Vauxhall, Opel, Peugeot and Citroën brands and for both domestic and export markets.

This dedication to battery electric vehicles will go towards achieving the UK Government’s decision to stop sales of pure petrol and diesel engined vehicles from 2030.

Stellantis investment in Ellesmere Port will leverage the performance improvement actions that have been made possible thanks to a collaborative process between the company, the Unite the Union and based on the workforce’s drive to transform their plant.

Stellantis strong willingness to ensure a sustainable future for Ellesmere Port has been consistently supported by the UK Government, the Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise partnership and Chester College.

Carlos Tavares, Chief Executive Officer at Stellantis, said: “Performance is always the trigger for sustainability and this £100million investment demonstrates our commitment to the UK and to Ellesmere Port.

“I particularly want to thank our highly skilled, dedicated workforce for their patience and contribution; we never let them down.  Equally, I want to thank our partners the Unite Union for their open mind set and strong cooperation and, of course, the UK Government for their continued support.

“Producing battery electric vehicles here will support clean, safe and affordable mobility for the citizens. Since 1903 Vauxhall has manufactured vehicles in Britain and we will continue to do so.”

UK Government, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Kwasi Kwarteng, said: “Ellesmere Port’s proud tradition in auto manufacturing will continue for many years to come thanks to today’s investment.

“Stellantis’ decision to double down on their commitment to this site is a clear vote of confidence in the UK as one of the best locations globally for competitive, high-quality automotive production.

“Today’s decision will not only power Ellesmere Port into a clean future, but will secure thousands of jobs across the region in the supply chain. In this global race to secure electric vehicle production, we are proud to support Britain’s auto sector in this crucial transition as we work to build back better.”

The plant at Ellesmere Port will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year, having been built in 1962, and produced its first car, the Vauxhall Viva, in 1964.  Since that time, it has produced subsequent generations of the Vauxhall Viva, the Vauxhall Chevette and then each generation of the Vauxhall and Opel Astra.  In total, since 1964, it has built over 5.2 million vehicles. 

This new era of manufacturing will see a transformation of the Ellesmere Port plant “fit for the future”, with a new body shop, upgraded general assembly, a compression of the site area and the creation of an on-site battery pack assembly.  In addition, there will be further support to enable a pathway to carbon neutrality for the plant by the middle of this decade.  The plant aims to be 100% self-sufficient for electricity and work will commence imminently on potential wind and solar farms. 

Stellantis has also announced the intention to consult on further investment into the Ellesmere Port site with the creation of a new UK parts distribution centre.

From later next year, Ellesmere Port will build the following all-electric vehicles:

Electric LCVElectric Passenger Car
Vauxhall Combo-eVauxhall Combo-e Life
Opel Combo-eOpel Combo-e Life
Peugeot e-PartnerPeugeot e-Rifter
Citroën e-BerlingoCitroën e-Berlingo

These light commercial vehicles, and their passenger car variants, are all powered by a 100kW (136hp) motor with a 50kWh lithium-ion battery.  They are able to be charged at up to 100kW and take just 30 minutes to charge from 0% to 80%.  Under WLTP conditions, they are capable of up to 174 miles of range.

Stellantis is the LCV market leader in Europe and, in the UK, Vauxhall leads sales in the fast growing all-electric LCV segment.

Vauxhall, Opel, Peugeot and Citroën brands have already committed to each offering all-electric versions of their entire respective van model ranges before the end of 2021.  Fiat Professional is also committed to offering electrified and alternatively fuelled versions across its van range.

With rising LCV usage in urban areas, partly due to the growth in demand for online delivery services, these zero-emissions-in-use vans will make a significant contribution to reducing emissions in towns and cities across the country.

The passenger car version will enable families to enjoy a “zero emission” active life with up to seven seats, benefitting from a modern high-tech interior, with great levels of comfort and adaptability and interior space, premium comfort and smart safety features.

Joanna Lumley supports Sacha Dench on circumnavigation of Britain by paramotor

Joanna Lumley, actor, presenter and activist has announced her support for Sacha Dench – known as the Human Swan – in her intrepid circumnavigation of mainland Britain by electric paramotor.

Joanna Lumley came across Sacha’s planned climate expedition through a crowdfunder call out for the expedition and was inspired to try and become more involved.

Joanna decided to just call Sacha, and as a result of that conversation Joanna will be following Sacha and meeting up with her at various places around the country as Sacha completes the Round Britain Climate Challenge.

They will be filming a documentary together for ITV as the journey progresses, in which Joanna will be the presenter.

Joanna said: “Sacha Dench’s adventures are stories you can only dream of –  facing down all barriers and blessed with the courage of a lioness she literally soars into history books, and inspires everyone who has the luck to follow her phenomenal challenges.

“Sacha is clawing attention towards the greatest crisis mankind has faced in recorded time. 

“Her journey is going to be irresistible and I shall be following her, on charts and in person, I am so proud to support her: with your help we shall be the wind beneath her wings.”

Sacha added: “ Joanna’s call came totally out of the blue and it’s just fantastic that Joanna is so supportive of this mission to look at how climate change is affecting different regions of the country – and highlight the amazing things that individuals, community organisations and companies are doing to combat it.

“We want to get everybody involved and one of our aims is to get 140,001 people to take personal climate action between 18 June and 17th July through Count Us In https://www.count-us-in.org/ – so please sign up now! If we achieve this number we’ll get a Guinness World Record too!

“I am so looking forward Joanna joining me to meet many of the inspiring people along the route.”

We feel your pain: Snap Vote in the House of Lords

Snappily dressed shellfish campaigners gathered outside the House of Lords today as Peers put forward amendments[i] to the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill to recognise that crabs and lobsters can feel pain.

The move could see these animals given new legal protections, and means that restaurants and fishmongers could be banned from boiling crabs alive or sending live lobsters through the post.

“Snappily dressed shellfish campaigners gathered outside the House of Lords today as Peers propose Bill amendment recognising that lobsters feel pain.”

The Animal Sentience Bill was introduced by the government on May 11th as part of a raft of animal welfare reforms. It replaces EU legislation which legally recognised that animals can feel pain and experience emotions.

The UK Animal Sentience Bill currently only applies to “vertebrate” animals – animals with a backbone. However, Crustacean Compassion, whose supporters include Chris Packham, Bill Bailey, the RSPCA and the British Veterinary Association, argue that the Bill does not go far enough.

Scientific evidence shows that decapod crustaceans, a group which includes crabs and lobsters, can feel pain and suffer and should be included in animal welfare legislation.

The amendment also requests that cephalopods, which includes octopus and squid, are also protected by the Bill. In 2020, in response to pressure from animal welfare campaigners, the government commissioned an independent scientific review of the evidence for the sentience of decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs. However, they have given no release date for the report despite repeated Parliamentary and House of Lords requests.

Whilst other countries such as Switzerland, Norway and New Zealand include decapod crustaceans in their animal welfare laws, decapods are not currently included in the definition of ‘animal’ in most of the UK’s animal welfare legislation.

Crustacean Compassion points out that this means that they can be routinely treated as if they were no more sentient than a vegetable. Decapod crustaceans are frequently boiled and/or dismembered alive, and research shows that a brown crab may take up to three minutes to die in boiling water.

Electrical stunning before slaughter, they argue, is currently the most humane method of dispatching the animals.

Last year, a fishmonger came under fire for using Amazon to deliver live lobsters through the ordinary post, and a London supermarket was criticised in 2015 for selling crabs shrink-wrapped whilst still alive.

Maisie Tomlinson of Crustacean Compassion, said: “We hope the House of Lords votes to accept this amendment at the earliest opportunity. Decapod crustaceans are Britain’s forgotten animals, widely recognised as sentient but subject to brutal treatment in the food industry.

“The government made a manifesto commitment to promote high standards of animal welfare, and prides itself on being led by the science. It cannot decide which animals are sentient based on political convenience, and if the independent review of decapod and cephalopod sentience is so critical to the Lords’ decision-making, we urge them not to delay its release any further”.

£250,000 Childminding initiative supports Edinburgh families back into employment

The Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) is seeking a bank of childminders to match with the parents and carers of school age children, who are looking to get back into employment.

The ‘Access to Childminding’ (A2C) service received £250,000 of funding from the Scottish Government’s Access to Childcare Fund, announced within the School Age Childcare Progress Report earlier this year, and aims to help move more parents and carers into employment by matching them with professional childminders in their local area who can provide flexible childcare, before and after school.

The scheme is being piloted initially initially in City of Edinburgh, Dumfries & Galloway, Fife, Midlothian and North Lanarkshire, with the aim of it becoming more widely available across the country.

A2C aims to help increase household income and families will benefit from high-quality, flexible childcare provided locally. In turn, it can help childminders to increase their business sustainability by providing access to new families who may have been unaware of how flexible childminding can support their family life.

SCMA is seeking around 100 childminders across the five pilot areas to take part, who have capacity within their setting to provide before and after school care.

Edinburgh childminder, Liz Stewart, who is taking part in Access to Childminding, said: “I’m participating in Access to Childminding because I know that finding affordable, high quality childcare locally can be difficult – especially for families who need flexible before and after school care which fits around their working day.

“I thought A2C was really great way for me to help parents who are finding childcare a barrier to getting back into work. I hope it makes a difference to know that childminding through A2C could support them.

“I’m also really excited to welcome any new families to my setting who may not have previously considered childminding as an option. Other childminders in Edinburgh who might be interested in putting themselves forward should go for it! I found the process of signing up to take part really easy and there wasn’t too much paperwork, which was great.”

Janine Ryan, Head of Childminding Services at SCMA, said: “One of the barriers to parents being able to move into employment is being able to find affordable childcare locally.

“We believe A2C will really support that initial step into employment for parents with school age children – and they’ll have peace of mind that their child is receiving professional, high-quality and nurturing childcare, while they take that exciting step back into work.

“A2C is also a fresh, new business opportunity for childminders in Edinburgh. It provides the potential for them to enhance their service by introducing new families who may not otherwise have considered using a childminder. We would really love to hear from childminders who would like to give it a try”

Funded placements are offered for up to 12 weeks for before and after school care during term-time, as well as during holiday periods. This initial time period provides a realistic window for children, families and childminders to develop relationships and helps build a foundation for long-term support.

The 12 week period also offers a bridge whilst parents settle into their new job, receive a salary and become eligible to apply for childcare benefits, where appropriate.

It is also anticipated that the parent could continue the placement with the childminder once the funding ends, as they will be able to make the payments themselves once they are receiving a regular income.

Janine continued: “92% of childminders achieve ‘good’ or above across all quality ratings at inspection by the Care Inspectorate. Evidence has shown childminding can enhance a child’s early learning, confidence and their social development.

“There are many parents who may be new to this form of childcare and may not be familiar with its benefits. The A2C project provides a unique opportunity to sample how using a local childminder could really help to support them to take that step back into work, whilst providing a safe, reliable, home-from-home childcare environment for their children.”

Childminders, parents and referral agencies who are interested in finding out more about the project should visit www.childminding.org/access-to-childminding or email a2c@childminding.org

CBBC ALBA is looking for someone who would like to start a career in TV puppetry

BBC ALBA has a very exciting project coming up later this year to create a new children’s puppet series called Meaban’s Moo.

This means that a new opportunity has come up because the producers are looking for Gaelic speaking performer who is interested in honing and developing their on camera puppetry skills to help with making the programmes.

Meaban and Moo, a highland cow and a puffin, are best friends. Quite the odd couple! They live in a fisherman’s shed by the bay and love it when their friend Linda pops by to set them their daily task.

This concept is simple, fun, silly and fast paced. The audience will come away having learned something, whilst not knowing that they were being taught anything in the first place. The repetition will help cement the words in the audience’s mind.

The programme makers hope to find someone who would like to start a career in television puppetry.

They would be working with Warrick Brownlow-Pike who has worked on some of BBC Children’s most successful puppet shows including ‘The Furchester Hotel’, ‘Hackertime’ and ‘Get Well Soon’. He has also been performing Dodge the Dog on CBBC and in the Cbeebies House since 2010.

They will also work alongside Colin Purves who has been a principle puppeteer in many films, including the Jurassic Park “World” franchise and the last five Star Wars movies.

Sarah MacKinnon from CBBC ALBA, said: “We’re really excited to have been given the go ahead for this new puppet series and hope to start filming in September.

“We are hoping to find someone who would like to start a career in television puppetry.

“If you have worked in theatre with puppets, have been teaching yourself at home or are just interested in puppetry then this may be the perfect opportunity for you!”

If you are interested please send:

•             A video introduction of yourself, including your name and age.

•             1 minute approx video of a puppet (or your hand) singing or lip synching to a nursery rhyme or song

•             A short written piece about your experiences or interest in puppetry

Email: sarah.mackinnon01@bbc.co.uk by 30th July 2021.

Youth charged with attempted murder and serious assault after disturbance in Granton Square

A 17-year-old male youth has been arrested and charged in connection with an attempted murder and serious assault which happened in Edinburgh on Saturday (3 July, 2021).

The incident happened at Granton Square at around 1.10am.

Two men, aged 19 and 21, were found with serious injuries and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

He is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday, 7 July, 2021.

Detective Sergeant Mark McGraw of CID in Edinburgh said : “I want to reassure the public that this was an isolated incident and at no point were they at risk.  Enquiries are continuing and I would like to thank the public for the assistance already provided.”

Iconic palace and country house announce summer outdoor theatre shows

Two east of Scotland treasures will host a series of outdoor theatre performances, allowing visitors to enjoy both Shakespeare beneath the stars and the classic Treasure Island.

This summer, the National Trust for Scotland is hosting outdoor theatre and music shows at a number of their properties across the country, including Falkland Palace in Fife and Newhailes near Edinburgh.

Families and theatre lovers are invited to bring their blankets and chairs and enjoy the open air shows, set within the gardens and grounds of two of Scotland’s iconic properties.

Fans of Shakespeare can see Henry V at Falkland Palace on Sunday 15 August. Against the dramatic backdrop of one of the former homes of Mary Queen of Scots, the stirring tale of the charismatic king will be brought to life over a summer’s evening. 

The Palladian country house of Newhailes will host The Tempest on Saturday 17 July and a production of Treasure Island on 21 July, will see pirates descend on the Musselburgh estate.

Open-air theatre goers are encouraged to bring blankets, rugs and picnics along to enjoy the alfresco entertainment. 

All events can be booked through each of the individual properties on the National Trust for Scotland website at www.nts.org.uk

All events have been prepared to be as safe as possible and will follow COVID-19 guidelines and safety measures. The National Trust for Scotland is urging anyone planning to visit the events to check the latest government guidance around COVID-19 restrictions.

LISTINGS

Falkland Palace

Shakespeare’s Henry V at Falkland Palace & Garden
Date: Sunday 15 August

Time: 7pm

Festival Players International bring you Shakespeare’s most popular history play: Henry V.

After a rebellious and spirited youth, carousing in the taverns of London, Prince Hal takes on the responsibility of kingship and leads his troops across the Channel to do battle with the French at Agincourt. Follow the charismatic King Henry V in this stirring tale of leadership, bravery, humour and love; two hours of exhilarating entertainment for a summer’s evening!

Book your ticket now

Newhailes

The Tempest
Date: Saturday 17 July

Time: 7pm

Folksy’s wonderful production is filled with live music, colourful characters, enchantment and a little touch of magic.

Book your ticket now

Treasure Island
Date: Wednesday 21 July

Time: 6pm

Join plucky Jim Hawkins and his swashbuckling buccaneer crew in this exciting new adaptation of the classic pirate adventure.

Book your ticket now

Peas Please: A pledge for more veg sees University of Edinburgh land national award

THE UNIVERSITY of Edinburgh is being recognised as a UK leader in the drive to encourage the consumption of more fresh vegetables, after it was presented an award by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

In recognition of the commitment to a challenging pledge with stretched targets to be achieved by 2023, most notably to increase the weight of vegetables developed in recipes – the University’s catering team was rewarded with the “Peas Please – Rising Star” award and was up against other shortlisted companies including national restaurant chain Zizzi.

Announcing the win on a video ceremony on 24 June, the celebrity chef and campaigner remarked on the University of Edinburgh’s far-reaching ambitions and commitment to sourcing local and seasonal produce.

The Peas Please initiative is focused on making it easier for everyone to eat vegetables. The initiative released its latest Veg Facts 2021 report and found 18,000 premature deaths a year in the UK can been influenced by a poor diet and lack of vegetables and legumes.

The report also found 77% of adults eat fewer portions of vegetables than recommended by the UK Government’s EatWell guide.

Ian Macaulay, Director Catering, University of Edinburgh Accommodation, Catering and Events (ACE), said: “We are thrilled to receive this accolade. There have been significant challenges this past year due to Covid-19; so being shortlisted, and subsequently winning has been very rewarding.

“Through it all we’ve been working with our suppliers to source brilliant ingredients, including from some of Scotland’s best producers. 

“There is still a way to go – and we are always looking to improve our catering service both by listening to our customers but also providing means for healthier living.

“Our pledge to Peas Please shows our ongoing commitment and dedication to adapt to growing needs and set new targets that underpin the University’s Good Food Policy.”

The Peas Please initiative is focused on making it easier for everyone to eat vegetables. The initiative released its latest Veg Facts 2021 report and found 18,000 premature deaths a year in the UK can been influenced by a poor diet and lack of vegetables and legumes.

The catering team are not only committed to increasing the amount of vegetables served (currently 50% of all meals are vegetarian and plant-based) but also committed to promoting vegetables in their Student Cook Schools and to make vegetables more accessible, appealing and affordable across university cafes.

Meals and products will now contain a greater proportion of vegetables, with an increase in weight from 90g to 150g.

Vegan hot meal options are also now a permanent addition to retail outlets with seasonal and local vegetables used on a rotational basis. Customers can switch potato portions for vegetables at no extra cost.

As department of the University of Edinburgh, Accommodation, Catering and Events’ main focus is the accommodation and residential welfare of more than 10,000 students, which highlights the importance of influencing eating habits in young adult life.

For more information on The University of Edinburgh Accommodation, Catering and Events, please visit the website https://www.accom.ed.ac.uk/ or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.