Month: June 2023

Strategy to drive innovation and growth published

A strategy to make Scotland one of the most innovative small countries in the world has been published.

The National Innovation Strategy sets out plans to align Scotland with European leaders such as Denmark, Finland and Norway over the next decade by placing innovation at the heart of the economy.

It outlines new approaches to develop world leading excellence in key sectors – turning research into successful products and businesses, encouraging more businesses to innovate, and improve productivity while maximising targeted investment from Government and industry.  

Key proposals include:

  • encouraging European-style clusters of similar businesses by focusing on developing key strengths in advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences, net zero, and data and digital technologies
  • adopting a new approach to investing in innovative companies by reviewing existing public sector funds and improving signposting towards other sources of finance
  • supporting Scotland’s world class universities to become better at turning research into successful products and businesses
  • taking a new approach to monitoring Scotland’s performance and benchmarking this against similar nations

The strategy has been developed in consultation and close collaboration with business and academia, including a steering group chaired by Sir Jim McDonald, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde.

Unveiling the strategy during a visit to the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre in Glasgow, Innovation Minister Richard Lochhead said: “This strategy sets out our vision to become one of the most innovative small nations in the world over the next decade. This is key to our efforts to transform the economy and drive a lasting improvement in Scotland’s economic performance.

“It also sends out a wider message – that we are determined to become a world leader in entrepreneurship and innovation. Scotland will use all the powers we have to create an economy which supports businesses to thrive. We will do this by harnessing the skills and ingenuity of our people and seizing the economic and social opportunities provided.

“Scotland is famous the world over for invention and innovation and today we have many strengths, including emerging and potentially game changing advances in areas like biotechnology and data. So we build from strong foundations.

“I am very grateful to Sir Jim and to all those from business, academia and across the public sector who contributed to the development, and will be key partners in the delivery of this strategy.”

Sir Jim said: It has been a privilege to have co-chaired the Steering Group of entrepreneurs, industry experts, academics, business leaders and investors that has played a key role in shaping this strategy.

“Scotland is already home to a number of globally competitive research intensive universities and some of the most exciting and innovative companies in the world and this strategy focuses on actions required to scale, accelerate and further unleash the potential of innovation across the country.

“Countries that can show agility and harness the power of new ideas and new technologies will thrive and become magnets for talent and investment over the next decade and beyond.

“We must also support the development of a much more diverse and inclusive community of entrepreneurs, researchers and business leaders which in itself will create a more innovation-led ecosystem.

“I believe that this strategy will help Scotland regain its position as an international innovation leader.”   

Scotland’s National Innovation Strategy is available on the Scottish Government website. 

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Rural education charity RHET secures Scottish Government funding to inspire young people about food and farming

The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) has secured £200k of funding from the Scottish Government to provide a farming and rural learning experience for a minimum of 80,000 pupils across Scotland. 

The funding secures the future of rural education events for children and young people, covering core costs such as infrastructure, bus transport, coordination and safety requirements. 

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP, went to see for herself how funds awarded to the Scottish rural education charity The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) spend award funding to education Scotland’s young people. 

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon joined over 100 P5 and P6 pupils from the Brechin schools cluster, who were meeting local farmers, growers and rural businesses running a variety of sessions to learn about how Scottish food is produced.

At today’s event pupils were learning about dairy and making butter, see seeds, sheaves and growing crops, grinding wheat seed into flour, pressing oil seed rape into oil, beekeepers demonstrating how they look after their bees as well as hedge demonstrations, getting up close to John Deere machinery – all linking to the learning outcomes of the curriculum. 

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP, said: “I am delighted to be here to see first-hand the benefits of the Royal Highland Education Trust’s Food and Farming education programme. 

“Since 2017 the Scottish Government has given over £700k to the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) in order to support their programme of school farm visits and associated educational resources for schools. This has allowed them to educate and inspire thousands of children and young people on how Scottish food is produced. 

“This fresh support will allow RHET to reach even more children, many of whom are from deprived areas. The programme provides an opportunity for young people to visit a farm and offers a hands-on educational experience which highlights the importance of farming and food production to our society. 

“One of the aims of our Good Food Nation Act is to improve access to, and understanding of, the benefits of healthy local foods for everyone in Scotland. It is clear that this ambitious project is contributing massively to this wider vision.” 

RHET Chairman Alistair Marshall said:  “We are very grateful to the Scottish Government for this award which helps support our aim of getting pupils and their teachers out into the working countryside, to get wellies on the ground and ignite their curiosity.  

“We offer all our visits, talks and events for free and this is important to us all in the RHET national network, to make food and farming fun and accessible for all. 

“Through using event spaces creatively, and working in collaboration with Angus Show, as we have today, we can offer more schools the chance to get hands. Brechin show is open tomorrow for the public so today we are using the big marquee for workshops, keeping us out the rain or sun!”  

RHET Angus chairman Bruce Christie said: “Every one of Ms Gougeon’s constituents need a farmer three times a day. The support from the award from Scottish Government means we can keep events like this in the school calendar, helping Scotland’s young people get better connections with their local food and farming industries. 

“Listening to their questions and seeing the penny drop as they see seeds ground into flour is part of the reason I love volunteering with RHET. 

 “I’m an arable farmer and visit many schools during the year, explaining how we grow crops, how we care from them, the machinery and science we use and link it straight back to the food they eat on their plate.  

“Helping them to see Scottish agriculture, like the event here today, gives them a chance to ask questions and provides unbiased information so they can make their own food choices as they grow up.”

Drylaw Telford Community Council AGM date announced

WEDNESDAY 29 JUNE at 7pm in DRYLAW NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

Come along to our AGM on June 29 @DrylawNC at 7pm and hear from @greenspacetrust about our consultation on parks and open spaces and have your say on how these can be improved.

We are also looking for new members so if you want to help improve the local area please get in touch.

Edinburgh youngsters honoured at Holyrood in inaugural Inspire Awards

Glittering Ceremony Celebrates Success of UK’s Top Talent

Young people across Britain gathered at the Scottish Parliament (Tuesday 6th June) to attend the Inspire Awards which celebrate the talents of young people aged 5 to 17 who excel in whatever they love to do. 

The local youngsters from Edinburgh are:

  • Taran Vignesh, aged 9, who attends Kirkliston Primary School, won the Young Trailblazer Award,
  • Anoushka Kinalekar, aged 10, who attends George Watsons College, won the Martial Arts Champ Award, and
  • Anaya Malpur, aged 10, who attends ESMS Junior School, who won the Energy Conservation Award.


The Inspire Awards 2023 is a new initiative from the British Youth International College (BYITC), which was founded in 2015 by Glasgow-based academic and educator Dr Rashmi Mantri to help young people learn and improve their abilities in maths.

In total, 37 awards were given out and after the awards, the winners, their families, judges and all other attendees, were treated to dinner at nearby German Donner Kebab, one of the sponsors of the event.

“I am so proud of all these marvellous young people and the range of abilities in the room is truly humbling. We had so many high-quality entrants that the judges had a very tricky job picking the winners.

“We wanted to create a special night to celebrate diversity and inclusion and recognise young people from all backgrounds who are making all of our futures’ brighter by learning and excelling in whatever they choose to do.

“We’ve had everything from solar powered fans to content creators on YouTube and outstanding singers and dancers, not to mention the STEM stars. Well done to everyone who won as you have set the bar very high for next year’s awards.” 

A Rubik’s Cube ace as well as a talented young writer, Taran crafts short stories from his vivid imagination and narrates the stories to his friends in school and enacts them to his sister.

At just nine years old, he has mastered the Rubik puzzle and can solve it in record time. Not only that, but he has also shown a real talent for mathematics.

Anoushka participated in World ITF Taekwion-DO Council’s World Championship in Glasgow in 2022, where she won the Bronze Medal in Sparring under Blue Tag Belt. She also participated in her club – United Kingdom Taekwondo Club, winning Silver Medal in patterns for Blue tag belt and Bronze medal for Sparring under Blue tag Belt in 2023. She has also registered for participating in European Taekwon-Do Championship to be held in Dublin in June 2023. Anoushka would like to encourage girls to take up sports.

Anaya take parts in lots of environmental activities and regularly conducts small science projects in her free time. Her experiments include a solar cat, solar turbo air and an electric bell.

She recently made a solar fan using recyclable materials which works well and helps to conserve energy. Anya believes it’s every individual’s responsibility to save energy by turning off the lights when they are not needed, and putting solar panels around your house if you can.

Her mantra is: “Save Energy for a better future!”

The awards were overseen by a high-profile judging panel including Professor Eleanor Shaw OBE, Associate Principal of the University of Strathclyde, and entrepreneur Dr Poonam Gupta OBE, Chief Executive of PG Paper, an international paper company based in Inverclyde, Scotland.

Dr Mantri said: “I would like to thank all the judges for their time and commitment to the awards and also to the sponsors – Whitebridge Financial Limited, Poddar Care Homes, Dupont Associates and Solicitors, and German Donner Kebab who were kind enough to invite all attendees to its Leith restaurant for dinner afterwards.

“I have seen first-hand how achievement in learning and skills can fill young people with confidence and show them how amazing they really are. Through BYITC, we have helped thousands of students excel in maths, English, programming and cyber security.”

Leader of the Scottish Labour Party and Member of the Scottish Parliament, Anas Sarwar, said: “It is a great privilege to welcome all of these high-achieving young people to the Scottish Parliament on this special occasion.

“The Inspire Awards are in themselves an inspirational concept that highlight the outstanding achievements of young people in their chosen specialities across the United Kingdom and I congratulate each and every one of them on their awards.

“I would like to congratulate especially the work of Dr Rashmi Mantri and BYITC in conceiving, organising, and bringing to a magnificent conclusion the Inspire Awards 2023. Dr Rashmi’s is a wonderful achievement for which she deserves high praise.”

Inspired by the success of the College, the BYITC Inspire Awards recognises young ‘Super Achievers’ from all backgrounds who have excelled in fields including the environment, sports, media, art and creativity, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

There were nine categories and 37 prizes in total. The winners were:

ENVIRONMENT

  • Global Warming Crusader – Samarth Raghu Badoni, Linlithgow, aged 8, who attends Springfield Primary School, Linlithgow.
  • Planet Ranger – Varesh Karthik, Dudley, aged 7, who attends Russell’s Hall Primary School.
  • Energy Conservation – Anaya Malpur, Edinburgh, aged 10, who attends ESMS Junior School.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICS (STEM)

  • Best Innovator – Namra Sayyed, Glasgow, aged 9, who attends Mearns Primary school.
  • Rubik’s Hero – Aarush Naik, Falkirk, aged 10, who attends Kinnaird Primary School.
  • Rising Star – Thembalenkosi Cox, London, aged 8, who attends Rockmount Primary.

LANGUAGE & LITERATURE

  • Best Orator – Vrati Desai, Leeds, aged 16, who attends The North Halifax Grammar School.
  • Emerging writer – Zoya Ansari, Glasgow, aged 7, who attends Knightswood Primary School.
  • Young Author – Vidhi Chanyal, Glasgow, aged 15, who attends St. Luke’s High School.

SPORTS

  • Chess Maestro – Supratit Banerjee, London, aged 8, who attends Cheap Park Farm Primary Academy.
  • Martial Arts Champ – Anoushka Kinalekar, Edinburgh, aged 10, who attends George Watsons College.
  • Badminton Champ – Tushara Rajaram, Broxburn, West Lothian, aged 12, who attends Linlithgow Academy.
  • Cricket Champ – Ojas Sunil Maniyar, Glasgow, aged 9, who attends St Patrick’s Primary School.
  • Adventure Champ – Aadi Chavan, Glasgow, aged 6, who attends Mosshead Primary School, Bearsden.
  • Gymnastics Champ – Amber Nayyar, Paisley, aged 10, who attends Todholm Primary School.

CULTURAL & SOCIAL

  • Dance Superstar – Rhythm Khokher, Glasgow, aged 15, who attends St. Ninian’s High School.
  • Singing Sensation – Riya Kumar, Leicester, aged 9, who attends Krishna Avanti Primary School.
  • Best Youth Icon – Iqra Khan, London, aged 13, who attends St. Catherine.
  • Super Nova – Yat Lok FUNG, Manchester, aged 8, who attends Oldfield Brow Primary School.
  • Shining Star – Mahisha Mayurathan, Middlesbrough, aged 11, who attends Archibald Primary School.
  • Best Performer – Dhyaana Haria, London, aged 10, who attends Glebe Primary School.

MEDIA

  • Young YouTuber – Vihaan Mendiratta, Glasgow, aged 13, who attends High school of Glasgow.
  • Young Influencer – Aashnah Bedi, London, aged 14, who attends The Green School for Girls
  • Young Role Model – Tharani Maria Somanathan, Sutton, aged 13 who attends Sutton High School.

ART AND CREATIVITY

  • Creative Designer – Ashley Tandon, Glasgow, aged 13, who attends Kelvinside Academy.
  • Master Chef & Best Bookworm – Eashna Chackravarthy, Birmingham, aged 6, who attends Acocks Green Primary School.

ACADEMICS

  • Versatile Achiever – Krithik Gopinath, Cambridge, aged 15, who attends Godmanchester Community Academy.
  • Rising Superstar – Alexander-George Rusu, Birmingham, aged 5, Mere Green Primary School
  • Master Achiever – Arjun Kapoor, Slough, aged 7, who attends Castleview School.
  • Whiz Kid – Jitendriya Dhinesh, Larbert, aged 7, who attends Kinnaird Primary School.

Share your problem-solving and decision-making skills

ALL ROUNDERS

  • Yoga Champion – Ishwar Vishwanath Sharma, Halstead, Sevenoaks, Kent, aged 13, who attends Whitgift School.
  • Young Philanthropist – Jevindu Senyuth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, aged 5 who attends Darras Hall Primary School.
  • Young Trailblazer – Taran Vignesh, Edinburgh, aged 9, who attends Kirkliston Primary School.
  • High Flier – Mitali Peecha, Glasgow, aged 11, who attends Kelvinside Academy.
  • Powerhouse Performer – Advik Mittal, Glasgow, aged 11, who attends St. Patricks Primary School.
  • Wonder Kid – Vishruth Sai Keshettivar, Basingstoke, aged 9, who attends Oakridge Junior School.
  • Young explorer – Eivaan S Lamba, Jersey, aged 7, who attends St. Saviour Primary School.

The other award judges were Professor Bill Buchanan OBE, Professor of Applied Cryptography at Edinburgh Napier University; Rohini Sharma Joshi OBE, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant; Derek Timpany, Education Management Consultant; Jai Aenugu, Founder of Aberdeen-based cyber security consultancy TechForce, and Harminder Berman, a former Arts Development Officer with culture and sports charity, Glasgow Life.

Dr Mantri set up BYITC after using an abacus to teach her son basic arithmetic. The college now runs global franchises, including Dubai and Sri Lanka, and recently launched its first UK franchise in Basingstoke, Hampshire. Further UK franchises are anticipated in the coming months.

To find out more about the awards and the stories of each individual winner, visit the BYITC Inspire Awards 2023 page.

Local SNP politicians visit new anti-flooding bridge

Edinburgh Central MSP Angus Robertson and Inverleith Ward Councillor Vicky Nicholson visited the newly completed bridge crossing the Water of Leith at Bell Place, which can be raised during high water periods. The bridge was completed recently by the City of Edinburgh Council flood prevention team.

Increased incidences of high water in recent years have caused stress for residents and damage along the Water of Leith, including to the old bridge. The new rising bridge forms one part of the flood prevention team’s work to bolster defences.

Levels in the Water of Leith can rise from ankle-deep to 5 metres in a matter of hours. 

Along with the rising footbridge, Edinburgh Council’s flood prevention team have been installing removable flood barriers that can be inserted on top of existing walls to prevent water breaching. 

Angus Robertson MSP said: “The work City of Edinburgh Council flood prevention team are doing is really impressive. The rising footbridge means water will not be caught and diverted over the side by the bridge and, having spoken to a constituent on our visit, I know the insertable walls are giving peace of mind to residents. 

“Councillor Nicolson and I have been working hard with locals, the council and other groups to ensure the risk of flooding is reduced all along the Water of Leith in our constituencies and I am very thankful we have such an expert and dedicated flood prevention team to help tackle the issue.”

Councillor Nicolson said: ‘We are seeing more and more bouts of heavy rain and, consequently, there is an increased risk of flooding in many areas along the Water of Leith.

“Gordon McOmish and the whole flood prevention team are doing a brilliant job making sure the City is better prepared for these events, and I can’t thank them enough for the work they do. 

“Angus Robertson and I remain available to constituents who are concerned about water level risk and we will continue to work with all to ensure no one has to go through the awful experience of being flooded and our public areas are better protected from damage.”

Scotland to mark Coronation of The King and Queen

One lavish Coronation ceremony just isn’t quite enough …

Scotland will mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla during Royal Week in Edinburgh on Wednesday 5 July. 

The King will be presented with the Honours of Scotland at a National Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral following processions on the Royal Mile. Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay will also attend events.

The Honours will be collected from Edinburgh Castle by a ‘People’s Procession’, involving around 100 people representing aspects of Scottish life. 

It will be escorted by The Royal Regiment of Scotland , Shetland pony mascot Corporal Cruachan IV and supported by  cadet musicians from the Combined Cadet Force Pipes and Drums, 51 Brigade Cadet Military Band.

The Royal Procession will travel from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the Cathedral. There will be opportunities for the public to view the People’s Procession and the Royal Procession along the Royal Mile.

A 21-Gun Salute will fire from Edinburgh Castle at the end of the St Giles’ Service, before the Royal Procession travels back to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. 

King Charles III receives the First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf during an audience at Buckingham Palace, London. Picture date: Wednesday May 17, 2023.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Scotland will welcome the new King and Queen in July with a series of events to mark the Coronation. A People’s Procession, a Royal Procession, a National Service of Thanksgiving and a Gun Salute will take place in Edinburgh. 

“Representatives from many different communities and organisations in Scotland will take part in these historic events.

“People who wish to mark this historic occasion can get involved by watching broadcast coverage or viewing events in person. We will issue more information confirming how members of the public can access events in the coming weeks.”

Background Information

The Stone of Destiny will be in St Giles’ Cathedral for the service. There will also be a fly past by the Red Arrows following the event.

The People’s Procession will include representatives from a wide range of organisations in Scotland including:

  • Corporal Cruachan IV (a Shetland pony) the mascot of The Royal Regiment of Scotland
  • The Robert Gordon’s College Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Pipes and Drums and the Army Cadet Force Military Band
  • The High Constables (Edinburgh & Leith)
  • Scottish Youth Parliament
  • Guide Dogs
  • Enable Scotland
  • Scottish Wildlife Trust
  • The College of Master Kilt Makers
  • Duke of Edinburgh Awards
  • Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh
  • Royal Zoological Society of Edinburgh
  • Robert Burns Federation
  • Royal and Ancient Golf Course in St Andrews
  • The Scottish Tartans Authority
  • The Royal Scottish Highland Games Association
  • The Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dance
  • The Princes Foundation 
  • The Princes Trust
  • CHAS
  • RNLI
  • Samaritans
  • Girl Guides
  • Scouts
  • Boys and Girls Brigade

The Royal Procession will include musical accompaniment from the Royal Marine Band (Scotland) and the Pipes, Drums and Bugles of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS).

The Honours of Scotland will be escorted from Edinburgh Castle by The King’s Body Guard for Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers (known as the Royal Company) and a Guard of Honour formed by contingents of the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. The 21 Gun Saluting troop will be 12 Regiment Royal Artillery.

There will be public viewing opportunities along the pavements of the Royal Mile and outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Details of the Order of Service and further information of exact locations and timings will be issued in the coming weeks.

Ukrainian families supported into own homes with £150m funding

Ukrainians in the UK will be helped into their own homes as part of a £150 million funding allocation.

The funding will be divided across the UK according to the number of Ukrainians in each nation: c.£109 million for England, c.£30 million for Scotland, c.£8 million for Wales and around c.£2 million to Northern Ireland.

Funding can be used by councils to help Ukrainian families into the private rental sector, help them get jobs, and continue sponsorship for guests’ second year in the UK.

Local authorities are best placed to understand the support needed for local communities and, within England, this funding will be used to help people remain in their current accommodation or find alternative housing, including in the private rented sector.

The Homes for Ukraine scheme has welcomed over 124,000 Ukrainians to the UK, with almost half of working-age nationals now in employment and settled into their local areas, having had the right to work, receive benefits and access public services from day one.

The Department for Transport has also announced it will extend the length of time Ukrainian refugees can drive in the UK on their home country driving licence, from one year to three, in a move that will help many continue the lives and jobs they have forged since arriving here.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Felicity Buchan said: “The UK has an honourable tradition of offering shelter to those fleeing the horrors of war. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of hosts in this country, over 124,000 Ukrainians have now found safety in the UK.

“Sadly, the fighting in Ukraine shows no sign of ending soon, so we are appealing for more people to become hosts while providing councils with this additional funding to support guests into long-term housing.”

Petro Rewko from The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain said: “Ukrainians everywhere are grateful to the government and the British people for opening their homes and hearts to Ukrainians fleeing their homes as a result of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

“We welcome today’s announcement, which recognises the commitment of sponsors and local authorities during difficult economic times and will provide additional support and reassurance to Ukrainian families as they rebuild their lives and seek to overcome the trauma of war.”

The UK government will continue to work with the Ukrainian government, the devolved administrations, local authorities and charities and voluntary groups to support guests and sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

The government is keen to ensure that Ukrainian guests receive the support they are entitled to while they are in the UK, and are helped into employment and long-term suitable accommodation, as soon as possible.

Hosts in the UK will continue to receive a monthly £350 thank-you payment during guests’ first 12 months, rising to £500 a month during the following 12 months.

To check how to apply to be a host, visit https://www.gov.uk/register-interest-homes-ukraine

INFAMY, INFAMY: JOHNSON RESIGNS AS MP

‘they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of Parliament’

Former Prime Minster Boris Johnson has announced that he is standing down as an MP, with immediate effect.

The announcement came this evening after Johnson received a report from the House of Commons Privileges Committee into whether he misled Parliament over lockdown parties at Downing Street.

THIS IS JOHNSON’s STATEMENT:

I have received a letter from the Privileges Committee making it clear – much to my amazement – that they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of Parliament. 

They have still not produced a shred of evidence that I knowingly or recklessly misled the Commons. 

They know perfectly well that when I spoke in the Commons, I was saying what I believed sincerely to be true and what I had been briefed to say, like any other minister. They know that I corrected the record as soon as possible; and they know that I and every other senior official and minister – including the current Prime Minister and then occupant of the same building, Rishi Sunak – believed that we were working lawfully together. 

I have been an MP since 2001. I take my responsibilities seriously. I did not lie, and I believe that in their hearts, the Committee know it. But they have wilfully chosen to ignore the truth, because from the outset, their purpose has not been to discover the truth, or genuinely to understand what was in my mind when I spoke in the Commons. 

Their purpose from the beginning has been to find me guilty, regardless of the facts. This is the very definition of a kangaroo court. 

Most members of the Committee – especially the chair – had already expressed deeply prejudicial remarks about my guilt before they had even seen the evidence. They should have recused themselves. 

In retrospect, it was naïve and trusting of me to think that these proceedings could be remotely useful or fair. But I was determined to believe in the system, and in justice, and to vindicate what I knew to be the truth.

It was the same faith in the impartiality of our systems that led me to commission Sue Gray. It is clear that my faith has been misplaced. Of course, it suits the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats and the SNP to do whatever they can to remove me from Parliament. 

Sadly, as we saw in July last year, there are currently some Tory MPs who share that view. 

I am not alone in thinking that there is a witch hunt under way, to take revenge for Brexit and ultimately to reverse the 2016 referendum result. 

My removal is the necessary first step, and I believe there has been a concerted attempt to bring it about. I am afraid I no longer believe that it is any coincidence that Sue Gray – who investigated gatherings in Number 10 – is now the chief of staff designate of the Labour leader. 

Nor do I believe that it is any coincidence that her supposedly impartial chief counsel, Daniel Stilitz KC, turned out to be a strong Labour supporter who repeatedly tweeted personal attacks on me and the government.  

When I left office last year, the government was only a handful of points behind in the polls. That gap has now massively widened. 

Just a few years after winning the biggest majority in almost half a century, that majority is now clearly at risk. 

Our party needs urgently to recapture its sense of momentum and its belief in what this country can do. 

We need to show how we are making the most of Brexit and we need in the next months to be setting out a pro-growth and pro-investment agenda. We need to cut business and personal taxes – and not just as pre-election gimmicks – rather than endlessly putting them up. 

We must not be afraid to be a properly Conservative government. 

Why have we so passively abandoned the prospect of a Free Trade Deal with the US? Why have we junked measures to help people into housing or to scrap EU directives or to promote animal welfare? 

We need to deliver on the 2019 manifesto, which was endorsed by 14 million people. We should remember that more than 17 million voted for Brexit. 

I am now being forced out of Parliament by a tiny handful of people, with no evidence to back up their assertions, and without the approval even of Conservative party members, let alone the wider electorate.

I believe that a dangerous and unsettling precedent is being set. 

The Conservative Party has the time to recover its mojo and its ambition and to win the next election. I had looked forward to providing enthusiastic support as a backbench MP. Harriet Harman’s committee has set out to make that objective completely untenable.

The Committee’s report is riddled with inaccuracies and reeks of prejudice, but under their absurd and unjust process, I have no formal ability to challenge anything they say. 

The Privileges Committee is there to protect the privileges of Parliament. That is a very important job. They should not be using their powers – which have only been very recently designed – to mount what is plainly a political hit job on someone they oppose. 

It is in no one’s interest, however, that the process the Committee has launched should continue for a single day further. 

So I have today written to my Association in Uxbridge and South Ruislip to say that I am stepping down forthwith and triggering an immediate by-election. 

I am very sorry to leave my wonderful constituency. It has been a huge honour to serve them, both as Mayor and MP.

But I am proud that after what is cumulatively a 15-year stint, I have helped to deliver, among other things, a vast new railway in the Elizabeth Line and full funding for a wonderful new state of the art hospital for Hillingdon, where enabling works have already begun. 

I also remain hugely proud of all that we achieved in my time in office as prime minister: getting Brexit done, winning the biggest majority for 40 years and delivering the fastest vaccine roll out of any major European country, as well as leading global support for Ukraine. 

It is very sad to be leaving Parliament – at least for now – but above all, I am bewildered and appalled that I can be forced out, anti-democratically, by a committee chaired and managed, by Harriet Harman, with such egregious bias.

ONE of Johnson’s last acts – a final two-fingered salute to the British people – was to reward his cronies with peerages and other ‘honours’.

Some of Boris Johnson’s closest allies – including Priti Patel and Jacob Rees-Mogg – were awarded peerages in the former PM’s honours list, published just hours before Johnson stepped down as an MP.

Former secretaries of state Simon Clarke and Mr Rees-Mogg were knighted, while Ms Patel was made a dame.

Controversial Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and London Assembly member Shaun Bailey are among seven new peers.

No serving MPs were given peerages, thus avoiding tricky by-elections for the Tories. But there will now be one in Mr Johnson’s own constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip and another one in Nadine Dorries’ constituency.

Johnson devotee Nadine Dorries was not put forward for the House of Lords, despite widespread speculation she would be on the published list.

Ms Dorries stood down as an MP “with immediate effect” just an hour before the honours list was released, oddly enough.

Water scarcity risk increases across Scotland

The risk of water scarcity in the Loch Maree area of the Highlands has increased to significant risk of water scarcity.

Two areas have increased to moderate scarcity – Ness in the Highlands and Esk in Dumfriesshire. 37 areas are now at Alert level.

Seven areas are at early warning for Water Scarcity – Orkney, Ythan, Don, Kintyre, Firth of Clyde, Loch Fyne and the River Add.

Businesses extracting water are being urged to put their water scarcity plans into action now to reduce pressure on the environment and preserve water resources.

Little rain is forecast for the next few weeks, and the water scarcity situation is expected to escalate quickly.

Loch Maree in the Highlands reaches significant risk – Ness and Esk areas increase to moderate risk

The risk of water scarcity around the Loch Maree area in the Highlands has been raised to Significant, the highest level available, in the latest report published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

There are 23 abstraction licences issued by SEPA in the Loch Maree area, 22 of which are for hydropower generation and already have ‘low flow protection’ conditions set in their permits. This requires operators to stop abstracting as the environment gets drier, without the need for licence suspensions, and ensure flows are prioritised to the river.

SEPA is in contact with all affected businesses to provide further advice and guidance in line with Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan.

Nathan Critchlow-Watton, Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, said: “For the risk of water scarcity to have reached significant this early in the summer is extremely concerning and leaves no doubt that the next few months are going to be very challenging for all those who rely on the water environment to run their business.

“While water levels are critical in this part of the Highlands, we can see other areas of Scotland are on the same trajectory and it’s vital that businesses take steps now to maximise the resource available and prevent further environmental harm.”

This week’s water scarcity report, published 9th June 2023, reveals two areas are now at moderate scarcity – the Ness area in the Highlands and the Esk area of Dumfriesshire.

Most of the rest of the country is now at Alert – except for seven areas in early warning – Orkney, Ythan, Don, Kintyre, Firth of Clyde, Loch Fyne and the River Add.

Abstractors and irrigators are advised to manage water wisely to minimise the need for licence restrictions, and regularly check equipment to make sure it’s in good condition and not leaking. Where possible, the volume and rate of abstractions should be reduced.

Sarah Cowie, Environmental Resources Policy Manager at NFUS, said: “Water is a vital resource for the agricultural sector as we cannot produce food without a consistent and plentiful water supply.

“Last year, SEPA suspended abstraction licences for some growers for the first time and the current prolonged period of dry weather across the country means all farmers and growers must think about water use on farm now and plan ahead for the coming summer season.

“Our Horticulture Working Group met with SEPA this week to discuss a partnership approach between growers and SEPA on water resource management.”

Anyone concerned about meeting licence conditions or wishing to discuss contingency measures are encouraged to contact SEPA by emailing: waterscarcity@sepa.org.uk.  

For more information on water scarcity and to view the latest report, visit: visit www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity.     

Further information on water efficiency measures can also be found on the Farm Advisory Service, NetRegs, and Farming & Water Scotland websites.

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Bilderlings launches a project to support Healthcare Clowning

The Warm June project aims to help children in hospitals and to create a caring community among financial services users.

For each customer who signs up for a Bilderlings account from June 1 to 30, the company will donate €5 to the award-winning Hearts & Minds (UK) and Dr. Klauns (Latvia) charities.

Both organizations work with Healthcare Clowning which is a special kind of emotional support for children in hospitals. Through play, humour, and improvisation, the Clowndoctors help young patients to cope with stress and get better faster.

“As a financial institution, we know the value of making the right investments. We want to remind people that emotional health, the smiles of our children, and a humane environment are investments too, no less valuable than financial ones. That is why we encourage people to join our campaign to support Healthcare Clowning,” Bilderlings Executive Director Dmitry Kuvshinov says.

To make signing up easier and more enjoyable, account opening and maintenance will be completely free throughout June 2023 for certain rates.

According to Bilderlings, one of the main campaign goals is not only to support Healthcare Clowning directly but also to foster a community of people with big hearts.

Sean Donnelly, Hearts & Minds Chief Executive said: “We believe that meaningful human connection is vital for health and wellbeing, and so our Clowndoctors connect with those with challenging health conditions or additional support needs to bring colour, light and laughter creating moments of pure joy. 

“We are very grateful for the support offered by Bilderlings and we hope that those signing up for this wonderful campaign will know that their contributions will spread even more joy and laughter to those who really need it most”.

Marianna Milovska, Dr.Klauns Chief Executive, said: “When Clowndoctors are coming to the hospitals, they bring joy to children, they help to relieve stress in parents, and support medical staff during procedures — and thus making hospital atmosphere warmer and more humane.

“But for Healthcare Clowning program to really work, visits should be regular, so children, parents, and medical staff could trust and rely on the Clowndoctors’ presence.

“As a charity we depend on private and corporate donations. Of course, we are thankful for any support given, but especially grateful we are to a more systemic and regular approach, which helps us to build long-term plans.

“This is why we highly appreciate this Bilderlings initiative to build one more caring and helping community with their clients”,