Month: February 2023

Exclusive report ‘Born to Roam: The Suffering of Polar Bears in Zoos’

International Wildlife Charity Born Free’s powerful new report exposes ongoing captive suffering and calls on zoos and governments to end the keeping of these magnificent animals

  • 151 polar bears are currently held in European zoos, including 12 in the UK.
  • Bears frequently suffer heat stress when temperatures in zoos exceed those in their natural habitat.
  •  In comparison to their wild home range, enclosures are so small it can be likened to a human sprinting in a wardrobe, which often results in abnormal stereotypical behaviours.
  • Carbon costs of keeping polar bears in captivity is likely adding to the negative impact of global warming.
  • Born Free is calling for urgent measures to prioritise a humane end to the keeping of polar bears in zoos.

Today, International Polar Bear Day, sees the launch of a major new report by international wildlife charity Born Free, exposing the true extent of the suffering of polar bears in zoos across Europe.

In Europe alone, 151 of these magnificent, wide-ranging, apex predators are incarcerated in zoos, including 12 in two establishments in the UK – Yorkshire Wildlife Park and Highland Wildlife Park. Using powerful, individual case studies, the report, Born to Roam: The Suffering of Polar Bears in Zoos, outlines the history and continuing plight of these captive polar bears and underlines, through real-life examples, the ethical, welfare and public safety concerns associated with the keeping of polar bears in zoos. 

In the wild, these apex predators roam across vast natural ranges that are typically equivalent in size to the whole of Austria. In contrast, Born to Roam: The Suffering of Polar Bears in Zoos, highlights how polar bears in zoos are confined in enclosures that are often only the size of an Olympic swimming pool, and in countries where they are completely unsuited to the warm climate. It lays bare the shocking and, at times, fatal impact of captivity on the physical and psychological health and welfare of polar bears that cannot participate in the wide-ranging natural behaviours they have evolved to perform. 

Horrifyingly, the majority of polar bears in European and North American zoos develop and display deep-seated, abnormal stereotypic behaviours, such as compulsive pacing and neck-twisting, as a consequence of long-term psychological damage.

Their lifespan is often significantly reduced as a result of inappropriate diet, and several bears have died in zoos following ingestion of foreign objects.

The comprehensive report also emphasises the serious carbon costs associated with the building and maintenance of polar bear enclosures and the provisioning of food. Concrete production is responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while steel production contributes a further 8%; both of these frequently feature in zoo-based polar bear enclosures. On top of the animal welfare issues, it calls into question whether, by keeping these animals, zoos are doing more harm to the planet than the good they claim.

The facts speak for themselves – polar bears do not belong in captivity.

This report comes 37 years after Born Free’s first commissioned report, which pulled back the curtain on the reality facing captive polar bears. It shines a light on the archaic, unethical, and damaging practice of keeping polar bears in zoos; and reveals that, sadly, 37 years on from that original report, very little has changed. Despite the growing volume of evidence highlighting the plight of polar bears in zoos, many zoos persist in keeping and breeding them, and show no sign of changing their policy going forward.

Full report available here: https://tinyurl.com/yuy7t9zz

Independent research released by Born Free just a matter of weeks ago also demonstrates a tide of public support for an end to the keeping of large animals, such as polar bears, in captivity.

Polling conducted by Opinion Matters, commissioned by Born Free, found 76% of those surveyed* believe it is very or quite important that the next UK government introduce measures to phase-out the keeping of large, wide-ranging animals in zoos, wildlife parks and other captive facilities. 

Therefore, Born Free is, once again, reiterating its call for the capture of polar bears for captive use, and attempts to breed them in captivity, to be brought to an immediate end.

Every effort must be made to ensure those polar bears that remain in captivity are provided with the best possible conditions to try and meet their welfare requirements and ensure their well-being for the rest of their lives, including moving animals, where feasible, to the best available facilities in the most appropriate climate.

The charity is urging the public to read and share this report with the relevant government body that legislates zoos in their country, urging them to take action to bring this travesty to a permanent end.

Will Travers OBE, Born Free’s Co-Founder and Executive President stated, “The tragedy of keeping polar bears in captivity is not only that so little has been done to address the problems they endure, but that zoos actively perpetuate them. Zoos continue to breed polar bears.

“They continue to house them in devastatingly inadequate settings. They continue to disseminate the myth that the lifetime incarceration of polar bears in zoos is somehow addressing the conservation threats the species faces in the wild. On the contrary, as this report indicates, zoos may be making matters worse for wild polar bears rather than better.

“The message is simple. No more breeding, no more imports, phase-out the suffering – and have the honesty and integrity to recognise what has been staring us in the face for decades: that polar bears cannot endure a life in zoos.”

Chris Lewis, Born Free’s Captivity Research Officer concluded, “When society looks back in years to come, people will rightly be shocked that zoos ever thought that they could keep such wide-ranging animals, that are fine-tuned to survive in such extreme conditions, in a captive environment.

“The zoo industry must remove their blinkers and accept that the welfare needs of polar bears cannot be met in captivity and humanely bring this practice to its long-awaited end.”  

Full report available here: https://tinyurl.com/yuy7t9zz

PICTURES: Born Free,

Tony Delahoy: Things Remembered

BACK TO WORK

THE question of finding a job after demobilisation was less problematic as the employers were obliged by law to re-employ their former employees, and so I returned to my pre-war occupation as a milk roundsman for the Co-operative Dairy.

The depot I now worked from was located in Long Lane, Southwark – a good distance from my home. I cycled to and from work each day. Work involved pushing a heavily loaded milk barrow on my daily round. The pre-war norm of early, mid and late deliveries each day was now reduced to one delivery, lasting from about 7am until 2pm, but of course there was still the loading of bottles and accounting of monies to attend to.

One memorable incident at this time happened when, having parked my heavily loaded barrow just off Tower Bridge Road and making a delivery, the barrow must have been struck by a passing vehicle. The result of this was a good deal of the day’s supply of milk now lay smashed and running down the gutter.

A small crowd had gathered, including a policeman who was surveying the scene. This was quite a serious problem as milk was still rationed and the loss of such a large quantity posed a problem, not least for me! I then had the job of righting the barrow and of salvaging as many of the unbroken bottles as I could before making some of the remaining deliveries, and explaining to those customers who were not getting any milk that day.

Someone, presumably from a local newspaper, must have been in the area and took a photograph of the scene. The item appeared in the local newspaper under the headline ‘Making the ration go further’.

NHS Inform: useful links

If you need help or advice this weekend, here are some quick links that can save you time on the way to feeling better ⭐

NHS inform symptom checkers

https://nhs24.info/symptom-checkers

When to phone 111

https://nhs24.info/when-to-phone-111

Find your local pharmacy

https://nhs24.info/servicedirectory

Mental wellbeing support

https://nhs24.info/mental-wellbeing

Please share 💙

Chancellor attends his first G20 Finance Meeting in India

  • UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt met with finance ministers and central bank governors from world’s major economies at G20 in Bengaluru, India
  • Chancellor also met with Indian technology business leaders on first overseas trip to deepen UK/India economic ties
  • Chancellor set out the UK’s growth agenda ahead of Spring Budget next month

Jeremy Hunt has concluded his first international visit as Chancellor to Bengaluru, India, for the first G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting held under India’s 2023 Presidency.

The Chancellor, alongside Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, attended a meeting of G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors on Thursday 23 February.

They were joined virtually by Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko. Their statement sent a strong message of condemnation for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, announced an increase of financial support for the Ukrainian government to a total of US$39 billion in 2023 and committed to continue supporting vulnerable countries hardest hit by the economic impact of the war.

On Friday, the UK announced a fresh wave of internationally co-ordinated sanctions and trade measures, to further restrict Russia’s capability to wage war in Ukraine both now and in the future.

The Chancellor also attended the first G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting under the Indian Presidency. He condemned Russia’s brutal acts in the strongest terms, emphasising– like many other Ministers present – that securing peace was the most important action for global growth.

He also underscored the need for bilateral official creditors and private sector to urgently help address low and middle-income country debt vulnerabilities in developing countries; the importance of multilateral development banks boosting lending from their existing balance sheets; and called on the G20 to fulfil its pledge to channel $100 billion of IMF Special Drawing Rights in support of developing countries.

The Indian Presidency issued a Chair’s statement at the end of the meeting. It highlighted, among other things, the continued need to fight inflation, and the importance of supply-side policies, especially those that increase labour supply, boost growth and alleviate price pressures.

There was also G20 consensus, including China, on the need for swift resolution of existing debt restructuring cases and to work on the impacts of food and energy insecurity on the global economy.

While in Bengaluru, the Chancellor had productive bilateral meetings with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, French Minister of Economy and Finance Bruno Le Maire and Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. He also met with Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers.

At a meeting with Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, both sides agreed to make further progress on the UK-India Free Trade Agreement and deepen bilateral economic and financial ties. They agreed to make swift progress on setting up the next UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue.

The Chancellor took the opportunity whilst in Bengaluru to meet with business leaders, home to India’s fast-growing tech hub. He visited the offices of Indian consultancy and tech multinational Wipro, which employs over 4,000 people in the UK.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: “Meeting fellow Finance Ministers face to face is an excellent opportunity to make real progress on the key global economic issues of our time.

“I first visited India 38 years ago, and it’s been fascinating to see how much the country has changed in this time – there are positive lessons to be learnt from their successful rapid development.

“It’s been great to hear from Indian technology business leaders here in Bengaluru how they are pushing the country’s economy forward, and I look forward to further collaboration between India and the UK as we continue to trade and create jobs – delivering on the government’s plan to grow the economy”

While speaking at the meetings, the Chancellor set out the UK government’s intention to protect the most vulnerable from cost-of-living pressures, whilst maintaining fiscal sustainability with debt falling and not adding to inflationary pressure.

He added that the upcoming Spring Budget on 15 March will drive economic growth , focusing on skills, business and infrastructure investment and research and innovation, as well as reviewing regulations of the UK’s key growth industries.

Dream opportunity for aspiring foodies with The Cairn Distillery

‘Beacon of inspiration’ theme continues with chance to work with Tim Maddams

Three aspiring foodies are being offered the chance to fulfil a long-held ambition to collaborate with one of the UK’s leading chefs. Successful applicants will work alongside ‘free-range-foodie’ Tim Maddams – menu creator for The Cairn Distillery – to design a bespoke menu that will be served at the distillery’s ‘Grand Gathering’ event in summer 2023. 

Lucky winners will learn new skills and gain valuable insight into what it takes to become an esteemed chef, travelling with Tim on an all-expenses paid experience to meet local suppliers, learn insider tricks of the trade and develop an inspiring menu to celebrate the opening of the distillery.

The Cairn, which opened its doors in October 2022, is the first new distillery to be built in the Cairngorms National Park for more than a century. Its owners, Moray-based family business, Gordon & MacPhail, aims to build on its 127-year heritage of producing exceptional Scotch whisky by creating legacies that inspire future generations.  

Tim Maddams has developed the menu for ‘The Gathering’, located within The Cairn Distillery, which provides locally sourced tapas-style dishes devised to complement the whiskies tasted by visitors taking tours. He has previously worked in some very well-known London kitchens before taking his first head chef job for TV favourite, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

Tim Maddams, menu creator for The Cairn Distillery, said: “For millennia, cairns have inspired people to discover and explore, set new challenges, and guide people along new paths.

“To reflect that ethos, we are providing a series of opportunities to help people realise their long-held dreams – inspiring hopefuls from all walks of life to finally pursue that new path they’ve always wanted to follow.

“I’m looking forward to working with those looking to learn, explore Scotland’s natural larder, and join me in the pursuit of new dishes, that respect the local environment and reflect the inspirational nature of this wondrous place, to be served at a very special party event happening this summer at The Cairn.”

Ian Chapman, marketing director of Gordon & MacPhail explained: “Having secured such a beautiful and awe-inspiring location overlooking the river Spey, we wanted to make sure our food offering matches the quality of our whisky and inspires visitors as much as our surroundings. 

“We are delighted to work with Tim to create an ever-evolving menu for The Gathering. With that in mind we are thrilled to be able to give three aspiring foodies the chance to work with Tim, learn and be inspired by his work, and help create a unique new menu to celebrate the opening of the distillery doors.” 

The mission to discover three aspiring chefs is the second instalment of The Cairn’s initiative to inspire visitors to pursue long-held ambitions.

The first was launched last year when The Cairn brought together three artists who shared a goal to collaborate internationally and offered them the opportunity to create a unique track inspired by Scotland’s incredible landscape which encompasses the distillery. 

A personal invitation from Tim to apply can be found here:

 https://youtu.be/DVNs4ndTEVY

with the online application form with full Ts & Cs, found here 

https://www.thecairndistillery.com/tim-maddams

New government plan may save EV owners £1000 a year

Owners of electric vehicles are being told how they could save up to £1000 a year under the government’s latest plan to install smart charging across the UK.

Electric car experts at LeaseElectricCar.co.uk have researched how EV drivers can save money on their energy bills or make a profit from the National Grid under the new electric vehicle smart charging action plan.

The new government scheme sets out to unlock the potential of smart electric vehicle charging, helping owners of electric vehicles to save hundreds each year on their energy bills.

With the cap on the Energy Price Guarantee set to increase by 20% in April 2023, electric vehicle drivers will be able to minimise their spendings on energy bills.

The government states that the smart charging scheme plans to let motorists charge their EVs when the electricity is cheaper or cleaner.

Drivers can also use the electricity stored in their EVs to power their own homes, allowing them to benefit significantly from lower energy bills.

The scheme will also allow consumers to sell the electricity from their vehicles back to the National Grid for profit.

Bill payers who do not have an EV can also benefit from more sustainable and cheaper energy prices – reducing the demand when electricity is used on the grid from EV drivers will help contribute to reducing energy prices for everyone.

This new smart charging landmark initiative reports to use the latest energy innovations to deliver benefits to EV drivers as the country works towards its zero emissions target on UK roads.

With the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars being introduced in 2030, the smart charging plan aims to further encourage more drivers to make the switch to electric.

The report states that the average electric vehicle driver could save around £200 a year, and a high mileage driver £1000 a year, with the introduction of smarter charging across the UK.

The government is aiming to make smart charging commonplace for EV drivers by 2025 – further initiatives like smart lamppost charging on the street will help make this move happen.

To further the smart charging scheme, £16 million will be invested into these innovative technologies which will harness the potential of the new way of charging.

Alongside smart lampposts, projects to enable domestic appliances to be able to merge into a whole smart energy system, like heat pumps, charge points and batteries, which will also be funded.

Tim Alcock at LeaseElectricCar.co.uk said: “It’s a great win for EV drivers – under the new smart charging scheme you may save up to £1000 on energy bills.

“The government has announced that this scheme will allow you to use electricity to power your homes, energy which is otherwise stored in your vehicle, as well as being able to sell back electricity to the National Grid to make some money.”

He said that it’s good news for those who don’t own an electric vehicle too.

Mr Alcock added: “By reducing the demand for electricity, such as pumping electricity from EVs into the home, this will in turn help contribute to lowering the overall demand and costs for bill payers across the country.

“As we head towards an increase of the energy price cap, the smart charging scheme is a positive step forward for the country to help reduce costs for all consumers.

“Investment into the smart energy system is also going to help EV drivers in the long run too. Smart lampposts and merging domestic appliances into the system will help make smarter charging easier for motorists.

“This recent announcement gives the electric vehicle industry hope that the right infrastructure is being put in place as the country moves towards the ban of new petrol and diesel cars in just seven years time.”

For more on the smart charging scheme and to find out further benefits for EV owners, head over to https://leaseelectriccar.co.uk/

What’s On at Blackhall Library

Here’s what’s on in Blackhall Library for the week beginning 27th of February.

There are still tickets available for the author’s talk with Harry Fisher tomorrow (Monday 27th February) at 5:30pm.

Please join us, you can book tickets through this link:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/539648953547

Have a nice week everyone! 😊

City councillor’s King’s campaign wins Scottish Government support

THE SHOW WILL GO ON AS MUCH-LOVED THEATRE WINS REPRIEVE

Councillor Finlay McFarlane, the SNP representative for the city centre, has led the charge to find money to secure the future of the 117 year old Kings Theatre in Tollcross.

The councillor, who credits the theatre as giving him his first professional work after graduating Drama School, rallied council colleagues to offer financial support for the Edinburgh institution securing a pledge from all five political Parties in the recent budget to part-fund the and called on UK and Scottish Governments to meet the remainder.

The Kings restoration project was thrown into jeopardy when the UK Government rejected a City of Edinburgh Council bid for Levelling Up funds but Cllr McFarlane was delighted that, having called on Culture Minister Neil Gray to rescue the plans, the Scottish Government has announced £3.85 million to fully plug the hole and save the theatre from shutting its doors for good.

Cllr McFarlane said: “I am over the moon to see the cultural, economic and historic importance of the true people’s theatre recognised and supported by the Scottish Government.

“Since the outcome of the levelling up bid was known, I have been working with colleagues to explore options to find the remaining money needed. Closing the doors on The Kings Theatre for good was simply not an option. This shows the SNP’s commitment to culture in the capital city of Scotland”.

SNP voters back rapid move away from oil & gas, new polling shows

++ YouGov polling of SNP voters shows overwhelming support for UK to ‘get off oil and gas as quickly as possible’

++ First Minister candidates are urged to speed progress towards a fair and fast energy transition for workers and communities

A YouGov poll of 1,000 SNP voters has shown that there is huge support for a quicker move away from oil and gas to ensure access to reliable and affordable energy. A majority of respondents who expressed an opinion supported a ban on exploration for new oil and gas, and opposed the controversial Rosebank oil field.

Campaigners say that the candidates to be First Minister must lay out their vision for how Scotland will move away from oil and gas in a fair and fast way, in line with climate science. The next First Minister will be selected by SNP members in the coming weeks.

The respondents also back more support for affected workers and communities to help them benefit from the transition away from fossil fuels. The YouGov poll for Uplift/ Friends of the Earth Scotland was carried out on 22/23 Feb 2023.

Polling results:

  + 70% of SNP voters support the UK to ‘get off oil and gas as quickly as possible’ by ramping up efforts to improve energy efficiency and developing lots more renewable energy.
Just 4% thought the UK should ‘continue to meet its energy demand primarily with oil and gas for as long as is necessary’
  + 45% support for a ban on new exploration for oil and gas (compared to 39% who did not support, and 16% who said they didn’t know)
  + 86% of SNP voters thought more support should be given to oil and gas workers to transition to green jobs
  + 62% of respondents thought that not enough was being done to ensure communities in North East Scotland were ready and able to benefit from the transition away from oil and gas.
  + 89% of SNP voters were supportive of the creation of a ‘publicly owned company to produce energy’ which would ‘ensure the benefits of the transition to renewables are more widely shared’

Friends of the Earth Scotland head of campaigns Mary Church commented: “As the campaign to be the next First Minister hots up, any credible candidate must put the need for a fair and fast transition away from fossil fuels at the heart of their vision for Scotland’s future. Backsliding on fossil fuels or supporting UK Government plans to drill for more oil would only exacerbate the climate crisis.

“Rapidly bringing down emissions while protecting affected communities and workers through this transition will be one of the defining challenges of the coming decade. This transformation to a climate safe future must prioritise meeting the needs of ordinary people  rather than clinging on to an outdated energy system that only benefits profiteering oil companies.

“From banning fracking and opposing the Cambo field, to asking how soon to phase out oil and gas in the recent energy strategy, Nicola Sturgeon has started to steer the SNP away from its long-standing allegiance to fossil fuels. Her successor must continue in this direction and swiftly rule out support for any new fossil fuels, and put a plan in place to end reliance on oil and gas within this decade.”

Lauren MacDonald from Stop Rosebank commented: “People in Scotland understand that there is no future in new fields like Rosebank and are tired of being rinsed by oil and gas producers.

“They can see that the public harms outweigh the benefits, whether it’s the more than half a billion pounds in public subsidies Rosebank will get, despite the industry raking in billions, or the vast emissions from burning its reserves.”

“It’s also clear from this polling that people want a proper, managed transition, which won’t happen as long as new drilling is allowed to continue.

“Anyone aspiring to lead the party and Scotland needs to not just acknowledge these views but make sure they are heard loud and clear in Westminster.”

***

The UK Government’s decision is imminent on the approval of Rosebank, which is the largest undeveloped oil field in UK waters. The Scottish Government has said that new fossil fuels are not the answer to either the cost of living crisis or the climate emergency.

Nicola Sturgeon has said that her Government will end its support for drilling every last drop of oil and gas as part of its new Energy Strategy. The Scottish Government is also consulting on whether there should be a presumption against exploring for new oil and gas and limits on existing fields.  A quicker phase out of oil and gas is needed in order to limit global heating to the critical 1.5oC threshold.

Despite commitments by the Scottish Government to co-design the Just Transition Plan for the energy sector, direct involvement of oil and gas workers has been limited to an online survey so far. The chair of the Just Transition Commission wrote to the Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work about his ‘deep concern’ after the Government failed to consult with them on the development of the Plan. The Plan includes a number of Just Transition outcomes but no route map to delivering them.

In 2017, the Scottish Government announced they would support a publicly owned energy company but subsequently dropped the idea. There has been criticism that the huge Scotwind project has privatised the opportunity for offshore wind, risking a failure to deliver supply chain benefits, protections for workers and a long term source of revenue to the public purse.

UK Labour have pledged to create a Great British Energy company to generate ‘clean power’ if they get into UK Government.

Climate experts have been clear that there can be no new fossil fuel projects if the world is to stay within agreed climate limits of 1.5C of warming.