Month: February 2023

‘Sickening’ BP profits show need to phase out fossil fuels

Climate campaigners have slammed the latest oil company profit announcement as ‘sickening’ as BP revealed £23billion profits after tax in the past 12 months. As with Shell last week, the profits are the largest in the company’s entire history.

Climate scientists and energy experts have been clear that in order to stay within internationally agreed climate limits, there can be no new investment in fossil fuel development. 

BP’s CEO Bernard Looney recently told shareholders that BP would be focusing on maximising profits and narrowing BP’s portfolio of green energy investments in favour of more oil and gas.  

A Channel 4 investigation in 2022 found that “BP invested £300m into renewables and ‘low carbon’ in the first half of 2022 — equivalent to just 2.5% of its £12.2bn profits for that time period. By comparison, it invested £3.8bn in new oil and gas projects — more than 10 times its low carbon investments.” 

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s oil and gas Campaigner Freya Aitchison said:
“The announcement of yet another sickening profit for an oil giant should anger us all. Fossil fuel companies are being allowed to bank billions in profits whilst millions of ordinary people struggle to pay their bills. 

“Bosses and shareholders at these big polluters are being allowed to get even richer by profiteering from one of our most basic needs. The harm caused by the fossil fuel energy system couldn’t be clearer.

“These companies are not serious about climate action or transitioning away from oil and gas, the evidence shows they are spending just a tiny fraction of their profits into truly green projects. In fact, BP is actually scaling down its investments into green energy and planning to be drilling for more oil and gas for decades to come.”

“The Scottish Government must seize the opportunity of its Energy Strategy to instead chart a clear path away from oil and gas and towards an energy system that is built on clean, reliable renewables. Ministers must listen to the science which tells us that to meet climate targets in a fair way, fossil fuel extraction needs to be phased out in the next decade.”

Latest Edinburgh support initiative for secondary breast cancer patients

Monthly gathering to share experiences and advice 

People in Edinburgh living with secondary breast cancer now have a crucial additional support resource. 

Charity Make 2nds Count, which is based in the Scottish capital, has launched a monthly meeting where patients can gather to share experiences and advice and widen their vital friendship network. 

The Tea & A Chat initiative is a joint venture with the Karen Henderson Legacy Fund which raises money in memory of the 48-year-old Edinburgh mum, a pioneering Make 2nds Count patient champion, who died two years ago.  

Meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of every month, between 11 am and 1 pm, at Morningside Parish Church. 

Secondary breast cancer claims 1,000 lives each month in the UK – that’s an average of 31 deaths every day.  Make 2nds Count is dedicated to raising awareness of this little-known form of the disease, also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer, which has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body.  

Although it can be treated it is incurable and currently affects around 35,000 people in the UK.  

Emma Hall, Head of Operations for Make 2nds Count says it is so important that patients can share their experiences: “A diagnosis can take people to a very lonely place but being able to meet with others who truly understand the situation can be hugely beneficial.

“Friendships forged in these circumstances are uniquely valuable and we know this initiative, simple though the premise is, can make a real difference.”  

Karen’s husband, Alistair Henderson says he’s delighted to be supporting the launch of the first Tea & A Chat in Edinburgh with Make 2nds Count.

“What Karen benefited from through the charity was the community and the sense of family that Make 2nds Count brought, so this event is a great opportunity for people in a similar position, to get together and support one another”, he said. “Karen would have been so pleased to be supporting this great initiative.” 

To find out more about Tea & A Chat Edinburgh and to register to attend, visit: https://www.make2ndscount.co.uk/support/tea-and-a-chat-all/tea-and-a-chat-edinburgh/

Security operatives face realistic terror scenarios in George Street nightclub exercise

The Security Industry Authority (SIA), the regulator for the private security industry, ran a safety resilience exercise at the Shanghai Club in Edinburgh’s George Street on Sunday.

The SIA organised the exercise in partnership with Police Scotland counter-terrorism officers, Scottish Ambulance Service and City of Edinburgh Council.

The training event at Shanghai Club confronted security staff with a series of real-time simulations, involving volunteer actors, of possible emergency scenarios. These included an attack with a bladed weapon, an acid attack, a suspect package and a marauding terrorist attack taking place outside the club.

Security teams from Edinburgh and the surrounding area were in attendance to observe.

Ronnie Megaughin, the SIA’s Head of Compliance and Inspections, said: “These realistic scenarios are an excellent method for training security operatives and gives them an ideal opportunity to put their training to use.

“Security operatives may be the first people on the scene in an incident. Yesterday’s staged terror incidents enabled security operatives to take part and deal with the scenario, and then receive an instant debrief from counter-terror experts.

“We know from experience that operatives, and their managers, really appreciate what they learn from these events and find them worth their while. Any of these security staff could find themselves as the first responder at a serious incident, and this exercise could literally be the difference between life and death.”

John Sandlin, SIA Senior Manager Compliance and Inspections, said: “The main aim of exercises like this is to increase public safety in the night-time economy by working with venues and security staff.

“It’s also to showcase best practice by putting the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) security e-learning package, which we’ve been recommending to all SIA-licensed operatives, into practice. We’re really pleased with the commitment that all the security staff put into the exercise at the Shanghai Club.”

This emergency planning exercise at the Shanghai Club continues a programme of similar exercises and follows on from events in Chesterfield, London, Glasgow and Leicester.

PICTURES: Ross Parker / SNS Group

Research reveals extent of trauma caused by Russian invasion of Ukraine

It is the first study to assess CPTSD prevalence in an active warzone

Addressing the post-traumatic stress caused by the Russian war on Ukraine should play a significant part in the humanitarian response to the conflict, according to new research.

The study, co-led by Edinburgh Napier University’s Professor Thanos Karatzias, is the first to ever assess the prevalence of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) in an active warzone – and comes as the first anniversary of the invasion approaches.

It found 40.5% of the 2,000 participants, made up of adults living in Ukraine between July and September 2022, met the global standard threshold for either PTSD or CPTSD. This compares to a prevalence of 26.5% detected in recent analysis of adult survivors of war and around 10% or less in places unaffected by conflict.

The rates were higher in the east of the country, already occupied by Russia in recent years, although people in every region had been severely affected. Respondents also reported very high rates of war-related stressors, such as having an experience of threat to their personal safety, financial security, or local environment.

It is hoped the research could help inform measures to support Ukrainians impacted by the war.

Professor Karatzias, from ENU’s School of Health and Social Care, said: “Almost a year on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we are beginning to understand the extent of the psychological toll it will be taking on civilians.

“We found people have often been exposed to several potentially traumatic events in that time, whether it is hearing an air-raid siren, facing the destruction of local infrastructure or losing a loved one.

“If and when this war ends, we will need to think about ways we can help people move on with their lives. The humanitarian response, which is already hugely complex, will require some innovative thinking to address these psychological harms.”

Among the other findings were a higher prevalence of CPTSD (compared to PTSD) among female respondents, suggesting the conditions of war in Ukraine have left women more vulnerable to it than men. CPTSD is a more complex condition than PTSD – based on six clusters of symptoms – and may require longer interventions for recovery.

The report also notes that existing trauma treatments would likely be beneficial to support those affected by this conflict – with online delivery a potential solution, given the geographically dispersed population.

Acta-Psychiatr-Scand-2023-Karatzias-War-exposure-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-and-complex-posttraumatic-stressDownload

Everyday English at Fresh Start

We will be providing an improvers English Class at Fresh Start Hub beginning on 21st February,

This is for people who can already speak, read and write English and who want to practise their language.

It will be in a small group of up to 8 people and be based on topics such as ‘At the supermarket’, ‘Talking about family’, ‘At the doctors’, ‘asking for directions’ . There will be a little grammar and vocabulary taught as well as listening, reading and speaking practice.

We continue to run English classes on Thursdays 2-4pm at the Hub, and people are welcome to come along to these, although they are targeted at absolute beginners.

For further info contact Abi at Abigail@freshstartweb.org.uk

Corstorphine/Murrayfield council by-election candidates confirmed

The candidates standing in the forthcoming Corstorphine/Murrayfield Council by-election, which will take place on Thursday 9 March, have been announced.

The by-election will elect one councillor from nine nominated candidates to represent the ward along with two existing councillors.

The candidates standing for election are (in alphabetical order):

  • Fiona Bennett, Scottish Liberal Democrats
  • Richard Fettes, Scottish Family Party: Pro-Family, Pro-Marriage, Pro-Life
  • Hugh Findlay, Scottish Conservative and Unionist
  • Pete Gregson, Independent
  • Elaine Miller, Independent
  • Richard Parker, Scottish Labour Party
  • Donald Rutherford, Scottish National Party (SNP)
  • Gary Smith, Scottish Libertarian Party
  • Chris Young, Scottish Green Party

Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer, said: “Now that nominations have closed, residents in the Corstorphine/ Murrayfield ward can begin to think about who they will vote for in March.

“The role of our councillors is extremely important to the democratic process, with responsibility for some of the most important decisions our city can face. Therefore, I would encourage as many residents as possible to participate in the by-election. It’s crucial that you make sure you’re registered to vote by midnight on 21 February. Anyone can also register for a postal vote before 22 February.

“The by-election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system where voters can rank candidates in order of preference using numbers rather than a single cross. Voters can choose to vote for as many or as few candidates as they like. We will announce the result once the votes are counted after polls close at 10pm on Thursday 9 March.”

Poll cards will be delivered to registered voters in the area from today (Tuesday 7 February) including further information on when and where to vote.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm and will be at:

  • Murrayfield Parish Church Centre
  • Saughton Crescent Scout Hall
  • BT Murrayfield
  • Corstorphine St Ninian’s Church Hall
  • St. Anne’s Parish Church Hall
  • 10th Craigalmond Scout Hall
  • Corstorphine Library
  • Carrick Knowe Parish Church Hall
  • Tesco Extra

The by-election follows the resignation of Councillor and former Lord Provost Frank Ross in December.

Find out more about the Corstorphine/Murrayfield by-election.

Edinburgh Festivals call for exclusion of residents’ homes from short term lets legislation

Appearing today before the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, the Edinburgh Festivals call for the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government to look again at the inclusion of residents’ personal primary homes in the planned short term lets legislation. 

The Festivals welcome plans by the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government to extend the licensing date for existing hosts, as a valuable opportunity to reconsider how the national framework is being interpreted across the country, and to adjust provisions at the margins to avoid unintended consequences.

Commenting ahead of her Committee appearance, Julia Amour, Director of Festivals Edinburgh said: “Edinburgh’s Festivals are frustrated at the extent of plans to regulate brief stays in residents’ personal primary homes – compared to commercial secondary lets where we understand the need for regulation – especially when the regulatory plans have no apparent regard to the collection of evidence or the assessment of impact.”

Speaking to the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee this morning, Ms Amour will ask Committee members to note the following:

  • Personal primary letting (home-sharing or home-letting) is being conflated with the more complex area of commercial secondary letting whereas it needs to be treated differently
  • Personal primary letting has no effect on the current housing crisis, given that it is simply individuals using their own homes rather than purchasing additional properties 
  • Personal primary letting is being treated similarly to commercial lets, in terms of regulations and costs, having an effect on income opportunities for residents in their own homes during a cost of living crisis
  • The national regulation scheme excludes certain categories (eg visiting homestay students where arrangements have been approved by an educational institution) and so why not others (eg visiting homestay event workers)

The Committee will also be asked to note that although the Cabinet Secretary has said temporary exemptions of up to six weeks do not need to comply with mandatory and additional licence conditions, the City of Edinburgh Council has decided to apply many such conditions to temporary exemptions for primary letting.

Ms Armour said: “These local interpretations highlight that the provision in the framework for local temporary exemptions is not achieving its intended purpose, and we now have an opportunity to look at this again and apply an exclusion at national level.

“The Edinburgh Festivals are concerned that these developments will be a serious disincentive to city residents who want to open their own homes to guests for a brief period.

“Without the use of primary home lets, the Festivals estimate that 27% of people in the city for August peak season would not be able to find accommodation, with such lets of particular importance to the workers, artists and performers who transform Edinburgh into the world-leading festival city.

“The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society estimates a third of their programme could be lost in 2024. This contraction would obviously have a negative impact on the 4,000+ jobs and over £200m in direct additional economic impact which the Festivals bring, as well as weakening the wider leisure and visitor economy employing 44,000 in Edinburgh alone.”

Ms Amour will conclude: “We ask the Committee to recommend that Scottish Government consider excluding primary residential letting activity (home-sharing and home-letting) for major festivals and events from the proposed legislation, in the knowledge that such activity has no effect on the housing crisis in the city and will safeguard the major economic, cultural and social opportunities that the festivals provide to city residents and to Scotland as a whole.”

Earthquake: UK responds to Türkey’s request for assistance

UK deploys emergency response teams to the Republic of Türkiye to assist rescue efforts

  • seventy six UK search and rescue specialists, 4 search dogs and rescue equipment arrived in Türkiye last night
  • UK is also sending an Emergency Medical Team to assess the situation on the ground
  • UK is in contact with the UN on emergency humanitarian support to those affected in Syria

The UK will immediately deploy emergency response teams to Türkiye to assist rescue efforts.

The government is deploying a team of experts to help on the ground in Türkiye following the 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “The UK is sending immediate support to Türkiye including a team of 76 search and rescue specialists, equipment and rescue dogs.

“In Syria, the UK-funded White Helmets have mobilised their resources to respond. We stand ready to provide further support as needed.”

Jill Morris, British Ambassador-Designate to Türkiye, said: “The British Embassy in Ankara is in close contact with the Turkish authorities to understand how we can best support those on the ground.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by the earthquakes today. We pay tribute to the brave Turkish first responders working to save lives.”

The UK is providing support that the Turkish government have asked for. The UK International Search and Rescue team have specialist search equipment including seismic listening devices, concrete cutting and breaking equipment, propping and shoring tools.

In north-west Syria, the UK-aid funded White Helmets have activated a significant search and rescue response and mobilised all their resources to respond to emerging needs.

The government is in contact with British humanitarian workers in the affected areas, and we stand ready to provide support to any British nationals affected. 

Anyone in Turkey and in need of urgent help should call +90 312 455 3344.

Anyone in the UK concerned about relatives or friends should call the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on 020 7008 5000.

UPDATE

  • Plane carrying a team of 77 UK search and rescue specialists, equipment and four search dogs arrived in Gaziantep today
  • UK’s world-class specialist skills and state-of-the-art search equipment will help locate survivors in the rubble of the earthquakes
  • British Embassy in Ankara and consulates lower their flags to half-mast as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives

Today (Tuesday 7 February) a UK team of 77 search and rescue specialists, 4 search dogs and rescue equipment arrived in Gaziantep in south east Turkey to join the emergency response.

An Emergency Medical Team were also on the flight. They will conduct a full assessment of the situation on the ground.

The UK government is immediately providing the support requested by the Turkish government. The UK will continue to assess the situation and stands ready to provide further long-term assistance as needed.

The UK International Search and Rescue team is made up of firefighters and staff from 14 fire and rescue services from across the country, including experts from England, Scotland and Wales. They will be using specialist search equipment including:

  • Seismic listening devices;
  • Concrete cutting and breaking equipment; and
  • Propping and shoring tools.

Their world-class specialist skills and state-of-the-art heavy duty equipment will allow the UK team to cut their way into buildings and locate survivors in the rubble during this vital time.

The team is self-sufficient upon arrival and provides its own food, water, shelter, sanitation, communications and all necessary equipment to undertake search and rescue operations.

In solidarity with the Turkish people, the British Embassy in Ankara and Consulates across Turkey have lowered their flags to half-mast for the 7-day national mourning period declared by the Turkish government.

In north-west Syria, the UK-funded White Helmets continue to carry out a significant search and rescue response and have mobilised all their resources to respond to emerging needs. The UK has given the White Helmets £2.25 million in the last year and an additional funding uplift of £800,000 for front line search and rescue operations.

Asda announces £15 Valentine’s Day Meal Deal including wine

  • Asda announces its Valentine’s Day Meal Deal, which includes a starter, main, two sides, dessert, and either a bottle of wine or box of chocolates for only £15
  • Asda Rewards app users will also earn £1.50 in their cash pot when picking up the deal, making it even better value
  • Notable new items include the Vegan Mushroom Arancini Hearts, 30-Day Dry Aged Sirloin, Chantaney Carrots with Citrus Yuzu, and Dark Belgian Chocolate Hearts
  • The deal will run online and in-store from 9th until 14th February

This year Asda is pulling out all the stops for those looking to celebrate love with its Valentine’s Day Meal Deal, which includes a starter, main, two sides, dessert, and wine or chocolates for only £15. The deal features 17 all-new options, plus returning favourites and vegan offerings across all courses of the meal – including wine.

For starters, there are five options to choose from. Cheese fans will love the new Truffle Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Slow Cooked British Beef, which are baked into small bite-sized cups. For those who fancy something extra indulgent, there’s the Chicken Liver Parfait with Raspberry Jelly, perfect to enjoy with freshly-toasted, thick-cut baguette slices. For plant-based lovers, Asda’s new Vegan Mushroom Arancini Hearts with Truffle Dip delights are sure to set the scene for a romantic evening.

Now, onto the main event with eight options on offer. Standout selections include:

· The 30-Day Dry Aged Sirloin with Smoked Garlic Butter, which has been aged for 30 days for a deeply rich and succulent flavour.
· The Wild & Roast Garlic Stuffed Yorkshire Bred Pork Kiev Cutlets. Topped with a Sicilian lemon, garlic, and herb crumb, this dish is the epitome of excellence.
· The British Duck Breasts with Morello Cherry Sauce, sure to impress any date!

Shoppers can also choose from the Aberdeen Angus Beef Burger with Smokey Bacon & Cheese Heart, Braised British Beef Cheek Parcel with a Creamy Porcini Mushroom & Peppercorn Sauce, Cod Fillet with Samphire & Sicilian Lemon & Marjoram Butter, Plant Based Wellington with Mushroom Duxelle, or Nduja Stuffed Chicken Parcel. Each of the main options come with two servings and contain all relevant sauces and garnishes, so it’s all ready to go.

When it comes to a little something on the side, Asda’s got it covered. For the Valentine’s deal, there are some seasonal offerings on the table, such as the new Chantaney Carrots with Citrus Yuzu – a yummy flavour sure to compliment any main. Another standout option is the all-new Truffle Mac & Cheese, for those looking for something indulgent. Of course, no selection would be complete without sides available from all year round, such as the Triple Cooked Chips and the Dauphinoise Potatoes.

Saving the best until last, the dessert. Take a romantic trip to Italy without leaving the house with the Italian Espresso Tiramisu Cups – intense layers of coffee sauce, mascarpone mousse and coffee-soaked sponge cake, Marsala wine, and a cocoa powder dusting make for the ultimate treat.

As it is Valentine’s Day, shoppers can’t go wrong with heart-shaped chocolate treats: enter the Dark Belgian Chocolate Heart with Raspberry. Dusted in pink shimmer, these chocolates are deluxe delights sure to end the night off on the right note.

It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without a box of chocolates – or for some, maybe a bottle of wine feels more appropriate this year. Whatever the case, shoppers can round out the meal deal with their choice of either a bottle of wine, such as the Extra Special Malbec Merlot or Extra Special Sauvignon Blanc, or a box of the new Extra Special Chocolates.

Not only has Asda kept the price of its stunning meal deal at £15 this year, but the supermarket has gone one step further: couples get the ultimate date night deal with a free Sky Movies voucher when shopping the meal deal*.

What’s more, shoppers using the Asda Rewards app will earn £1.50 in their cash pot when purchasing the deal, making the dine-in offer even better value for money.

For just £15, Asda’s meal deal means you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a delicious Valentine’s Day dinner. The deal will run online at www.asda.com and in-store from 9th until 14th February.

NSPCC: Safer Internet Day

The online world benefits all of us including children and young people. It can help them learn, play, and keep connected with friends, but we also know there are risks involved (writes Carla Malseed – Local Campaigns Manager for NSPCC Scotland):

TOMORROW (7th February) will mark the 20th anniversary of Safer Internet Day, and this year’s theme is “Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online.”

More children and young people are spending time on the internet than ever before.

And we are encouraging and supporting parents, carers and professionals to open the conversation around how they can support children to keep safe. Talking with children about online safety is vital and can help them to understand what is and isn’t appropriate.

But we understand that knowing where to start can be a little daunting. Asking your child what platforms, apps and sites they are interested in is a great place to begin.  Exploring the apps that your child uses, will help you to understand what they are viewing on a regular basis. By discovering more about privacy and safety settings, you’ll be able to decide which are the right ones to use and therefore help to keep your child safe.

Asking questions about what they do online can identify what your child already knows about keeping safe in the digital world. You could ask ‘what’s your favourite game to play online?’ or ‘how to do you speak to your friends online?’ to help give you a clearer picture how they are spending their time.

Finding out about location sharing is also vital, as some apps and sites use GPS technology to show where users are posting content.

Consider the different communications features available too, for example, check their privacy settings are switched on to prevent unwanted contact and group chat settings can be set so that only your child’s phone contacts can be added.

Learning the basics together can help you to know how to report and block people and content, and help prevent  your child from being exposed to anything inappropriate or harmful. It’s always important to remind your child they can come to you if they see anything that upsets or worries them.

We know that a child’s safety online is incredibly important, but we also understand that for parents it can be overwhelming. Here at the NSPCC, we have resources and tools to help you keep your child safe whilst using the internet and to give you peace of mind. A bespoke workshop is available on YouTube to help you get a better understanding of online safety – www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO6Ux7qfYXk

More information about online safety can be found on the NSPCC website – www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/online-safety-blog/SID-2022/