June 2024 – Page 21 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Forth Green Freeport open for business

The Forth Green Freeport (FGF) is officially “open for business” today, 12 June, following approval from the Scottish and UK Governments of its Outline Business Case.

This major step unlocks the investment incentives to deliver the green freeport vision.

Dame Susan Rice DBE, Chair of Forth Green Freeport, said: “This is it, Forth Green Freeport is officially open for business. It is an important time for the Green Freeport as we move through the business case development phase to delivery for Scotland.

“Through innovations in offshore wind manufacturing, assembly and commissioning, alongside innovative shipbuilding, modular assembly and hydrogen manufacture, the country’s net zero targets can be boosted by Forth Green Freeport.

“This is a long-term project and one which we know will deliver real benefits to the local communities through economic growth, skills re-training and training and access to high quality, green jobs.”

Responding to the news, Council Leader Cammy Day said: “The Forth Green Freeport is go – making North Edinburgh and the region open for significant investment and good, green, economic growth.

“The whole coastline has huge potential as we develop our city and address the climate emergency and, clearly, the Scottish and UK Governments agree. The news just this week of a global leader in sustainable energy potentially looking to invest in the Port of Leith is also testament to the opportunities Edinburgh has to offer.

“Our extension of Edinburgh’s tram line to Newhaven is already unlocking many areas in the North of the city for long-term investment and regeneration plus, our £1.3 billion green vision for Granton Waterfront is creating a brand new sustainable coastal community, with thousands of net zero homes.

“Through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal we’ve already achieved massive success working collaboratively with our neighbouring councils, with central government and with the private sector. I’m looking forward to similar success with all the partners on the Forth Green Freeport.

“I’ve said all along that fair work and fair opportunities – with employers paying the real Living Wage and real benefits to the community – should be central to the Green Freeport’s plans.

“Following positive conversations with our partners, I’m pleased this is now confirmed with a Fair Work Charter right at the heart of everyone’s ambitions.

“Around 11,000 direct jobs are expected to be created as a result of the Forth Green Freeport, and we expect around 4,000 of those to be here in Edinburgh, which is major. This is of course long-term but we have the opportunity to not only boost employment opportunities but the skills we need in green industries as we address the climate challenge and work towards net zero as a city and country.”

GMB reveals almost 1,000 public football pitches lost by cash-strapped councils

On the eve of the European Championships, GMB can reveal almost 1,000 public football pitches have been lost in the UK since 2010.

As England and Scotland get ready to kick off their campaigns in Germany, new figures show there are 846 fewer local authority owned or operated football pitches today [based on the latest figures available] than there were in 2009/10.

Councils said that a further 80 pitches had also been closed – meaning at least 926 pitches have gone.

The worst hit part of the UK was Scotland, which lost a massive 271 pitches during that period.

All the other worst hit areas were all in Northern England and Wales.

The figures come from a Freedom of Information request made by GMB to local authorities in the UK and we’re revealed at GMB’s annual conference, which concludes in Bournemouth today [Thursday].

Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, said: “The England and Scotland men’s teams are about to begin their European Championship campaigns, with the hopes of the two nations resting on their shoulders.

“Yet before a ball has even been kicked, the next generation of footballers have already lost.

“Losing almost 1,000 council football pitches could crush grass roots football in the UK and is yet another deeply depressing legacy of the Conservative’s austerity mission.”

Green light for Edinburgh Park Arena

Plans for a new 8,500 capacity arena by AEG at Edinburgh Park were approved at the Development Management Sub Committee yesterday.

Reacting to the decision, Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Edinburgh already boasts a great set of venues in the shape of Murrayfield, the Usher Hall and our theatres and increasingly, the world’s biggest stars are choosing the Capital. From Beyonce and Harry Styles to Taylor Swift’s record-breaking run, not forgetting our annual world famous festivals, Edinburgh has more than proved itself as a top destination for international acts.

“We’ve been concentrating on developing our cultural offering and transport links in recent years to better connect the city, and the moment is right now to build on that. We’ve been crying out for a mid-size indoor arena but we have to make sure the infrastructure is in place for that and it has to be the right site. This arena at Edinburgh Park offers the answer and the planning application received unanimous support from Councillors.

“There is no doubt this site has some of the best transport links in Scotland and it easy to picture audiences travelling from home or the airport by tram, train and bus to West Edinburgh for a show. At the other end of the tram line to the North we have another great asset in the Leith Theatre and in the city centre the Ross Bandstand.

“Smaller music venues like these are also important to the fabric of Edinburgh’s live music offering and I remain committed to championing for their investment. They are two prime examples of projects which I believe should benefit from Edinburgh’s visitor levy when it is in place.”

UK shows ‘enduring commitment’ to Ukraine at G7 summit

UK WILL ‘LEAD FROM THE FRONT’ AT G7 SUMMIT

The Prime Minister will be clear that the UK will lead from the front on supporting international peace and security as he attends the G7 Leaders Summit in Italy against a backdrop of heightened volatility.

Support for Ukraine and securing peace in the Middle East priorities at G7 Leaders Summit.
UK provides package of up to £242m funding for immediate humanitarian, energy and stabilisation needs in Ukraine.
Leaders seek to leverage billions from immobilised Russian assets to support Ukraine.

At the Summit, the Prime Minister will announce up to £242 million in bilateral assistance to Ukraine, to support immediate humanitarian, energy and stabilisation needs, and lay the foundations for longer term economic and social recovery and reconstruction.

This funding demonstrates the UK’s continued international solidarity with Ukraine, and our flexibility in responding to immediate needs created by Russian aggression. Critical energy infrastructure, for example, has suffered from an intense Russian missile and bombing campaign over the past few months.

A priority for the PM at the Summit will be to work with partners to agree a way to use immobilised Russian assets to support Ukraine. Last month, the Chancellor attended the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting, where the G7 discussed potential avenues to bring forward the extraordinary profits stemming from these assets, to the benefit of Ukraine.

The UK and G7 leaders have been clear that Russian must pay for the damage it is causing Ukraine. We will explore all lawful avenues by which immobilised Russian assets can be used to support Ukraine. The value of the assets held in G7 jurisdictions is $285 billion.

The UK was the first country to introduce legislation explicitly enabling us to keep sanctions in place until Russia pays for damage it has caused. We also introduced new powers to compel sanctioned individuals and entities to disclose assets they hold in the UK.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “We must be decisive and creative in our efforts to support Ukraine and end Putin’s illegal war at this critical moment. The UK remains at the forefront of the international response as we have been from the outset. We must move from ‘as long as it takes’ to ‘whatever it takes’ if we are to end this illegal war.

“From Ukraine to the Middle East, we will be discussing significant global threats at the Summit. Such threats are why it is so vital to strengthen the UK’s national defence, through our commitment to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence by 2030.”

The UK has now committed almost £12.7 billion in military, humanitarian and economic support to Ukraine and has often been the first mover on vital lethal aid, from Storm Shadow cruise missiles to a squadron of Challenger 2 tanks.

The Prime Minister recently announced that the UK will send our largest-ever package of military equipment from the UK, designed to help push back the Russian invasion on land, sea and air.

While at the summit, he will attend sessions on Ukraine; Illegal Migration; Economic Security and China; The Middle East; and a credible G7 and UK offer to ‘the global majority’.

The Prime Minister will work to encourage G7 unity in response to the situation on the ground in Gaza, focused on the long-term goal of a stable and prosperous Middle East.

He will press other leaders to recognise migration challenges ‘across the route’ and to take collective action.

He will also seek to strengthen our economic security in relation to China and work collaboratively with partners to identify ways to ensure we leverage the revolution in green technologies for the benefit of the British people and our industries.

Prisoner early release plan approved

Regulations, including safeguards, approved by MSPs

The Scottish Parliament has approved the early release of some short-term prisoners to address the impacts of a recent rapid rise in the prison population.

Under current modelling, based on the criteria set out in the regulations approved by Parliament, around 514 eligible prisoners will be released in four tranches from the 26 June.

Public safety will remain a priority, and underpin all decisions, with safeguards built in. Only prisoners serving less than four years and due to be released within 180 days are eligible for release.

Certain categories of prisoners are automatically excluded and not eligible for early release under the plans; that is any prisoner who: is serving a life sentence, is on the Sex Offenders Register, is subject to a non-harassment order, or who has an unspent conviction for domestic abuse.

As an additional protection, prison governors will have the power to veto the release of any otherwise eligible prisoner, if they deem them an immediate risk to a specific individual or group.

In addition, the regulations ensure that victims will be able to receive information about the release of a prisoner in their case through, or as well as, a named victim support organisation, where the victim has requested it.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Immediate and urgent action is needed to deal with the significant recent rise in the prison population. The same challenges in prisons are faced across the UK and the UK Government has taken similar action in England and Wales.

“Through this emergency early release plan, backed by Parliament, we are responding to this critical situation and ensuring the safety and welfare of staff and prisoners.

“Protecting the public remains my absolute priority, which is why there are significant and robust safeguards in place and only those due to be released in the next short while are eligible. Releases will also be completed in tranches so the necessary support can be provided to safely resettle released prisoners in their communities.

“We are working with victims organisations to ensure the right information and support is available where needed. In addition, the existing statutory schemes of information for victims will continue to ensure that victims who wish to receive information about an offender’s release, including emergency early release, can do so.

“This is part of a significant package of measures we are taking in both the short and longer term to deal with the continuing rise in Scotland’s prison population, which remains one of the highest in Western Europe.”

The Early Release of Prisoners and Prescribed Victim Supporters (Scotland) Regulations 2024.

Trust in politicians at an all-time low

Change of public mood creates challenge for the next government

The results of the latest British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey, published yesterday by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), reveal that there have been significant changes in the public mood since the last election in 2019.

As a result, the next government, whatever its partisan colour, will find itself with many policy and political challenges ahead.

Much of the change in the public mood has been occasioned by the fallout from the pandemic and the Russian-Ukraine war, including the impact on inequality, the health service, Brexit, and immigration.

At the same time, the experience of the last few years has served to undermine confidence in the country’s system of government.

Inequality, cost of living, and housing

Debates about inequality during the pandemic have seemingly created a public that is now more concerned about the level of poverty. At the same time, more people say they are ‘struggling’ on their current income.

73% now believe there is ‘a great deal’ of poverty in Britain, up from 68% in 2019.
70% say that their income has failed to keep up with prices over the last twelve months.
26% say they are ‘struggling’ on their current income, compared with 17% in 2020.
However, the experience of living at home more during lockdown may explain why fewer people now support more houses being built in their neighbourhood, despite the difficulty that many currently have in finding affordable accommodation.
41% support more houses being built in their local area, down from 57% in 2018.

The NHS and tax and spend

The post-pandemic growth in NHS waiting times have resulted in record levels of dissatisfaction with the health service. The same is true of social care, which also came under great pressure during the pandemic.

The proportion dissatisfied with the NHS is, at 52%, slightly more than double what it was in 2019 (25%).
As many as 57% are dissatisfied with the provision of social care, up 20 points on 2019 (37%).
Even though taxation is now at a record high, at present, at least, many people still seem to regard the state of the NHS as a more pressing problem than the level of taxes.
46% say that, if forced to choose, the government should increase taxes and spend more on ‘health, education and social benefits’.
This is down somewhat on the 53% who expressed that view in 2019, but is still well above the 31% figure recorded in 2010 at the end of the last period of Labour government.

Brexit and immigration

Record levels of immigration since the pandemic have reversed a previous trend towards more liberal attitudes towards immigration. Together with doubts about the economic benefits of Brexit, they have also resulted in a change of attitudes to the EU.

In 2019, 47% said that migrants who come to Britain are good for the economy. This edged up further to 50% in 2021 but, in the most recent reading, this has fallen back to 39%.
45% said in 2019 that migrants enrich Britain’s cultural life, while 48% did so in 2021. Now the figure is 38%.
In 2019, 51% thought that the economy would be worse off as a result of leaving the EU. Now 71% believe the economy is worse off as a result of Brexit.
Faced with a range of options for Britain’s relationship with the EU, in 2016, 41% said that Britain should be outside the EU, as did 36% in 2019. Now the figure stands at 24%.
Supporters and opponents of Brexit continue to have different political preferences. 45% of supporters think of themselves as a Conservative, while 49% of opponents identify as a Labour supporter.

Trust and confidence in government

Between them, these policy concerns, together with the political instability of the last couple of years, have undermined levels of trust and confidence in how Britain is governed, a change that has occasioned increased support for constitutional reform.

As many as 45% ‘almost never trust governments of any particular party to place the needs of the nation above the interests of their own political party’, up from 34% in 2019 and a record high.
After falling from 79% in 2019 to 61% the following year, once again 79% believe the present system of governing Britain is in need of ‘quite a lot’ or ‘a great deal’ of improvement.
A record high of 53% now say we should change the Commons voting system ‘to allow smaller parties to get a fairer share of MPs’. 60% of Labour supporters take this view, whereas 73% of Conservative supporters believe we should keep the current system ‘to produce effective government’.
A record low of 45% believe that England should be governed as now from Westminster rather than have regional assemblies (26%) or an English Parliament (23%).

Gillian Prior, Interim Chief Executive at the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), says: “The last four years of parliament have left their imprint on public opinion.

“From the NHS to immigration, from inequality to tax and spend, people’s attitudes have been affected by the experience of a pandemic, a cost of living crisis, and political turmoil.

“The period has left them asking themselves just how well they are being governed. Irrespective of its partisan colour, the next government will have much to do if it is to meet people’s concerns about the many difficulties they feel the country has been facing.”

Westfield Road victim named

A 53-year-old man who died in Edinburgh has been named as Brian Ramsay.

Officers were called to Westfield Road in the city around 12.55pm on Friday, 7 June, following concern for a man within a property. Mr Ramsay was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 43-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death.

He appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 10 June, 2024.

Brian’s family have issued the following statement through Police Scotland: – “We are shocked and saddened by his death. We would ask that we are given privacy to come to terms with our loss at this time.”

Detective Inspector David McAlinden said: “Our enquiries into the full circumstances of this incident remain ongoing.

“We would ask anyone with any information which could assist us with the investigation, that has not already come forward, to please make contact with officers as soon as possible.

“Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the Mr Ramsay, and we will continue to support them during this difficult time.”

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1557 of Friday, 7 June, 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Have you seen Joyce?

POLICE are appealing for help to trace an 88-year-old woman reported missing from Edinburgh.

Joyce Shand was last seen around 7.15am this morning (Wednesday, 12 June) in the Moira Terrace area of the city.

She is described as 5ft 4ins, slim, with short white/grey hair.

She is believed to be wearing dark coloured trousers and a light blue jacket. She uses a walking stick.

Sergeant Leigh Inglis said: “Concerns are growing for Joyce’s welfare and we need to make sure she is safe and well.

“Joyce has a bus pass but we do not know at this stage what direction she may have taken so I am asking the public to keep an eye out for her.

“If you see Joyce or know where she might be then please get in touch with us.”

Drivers warned of German road laws ahead of the Euros

Football fans planning a trip to Germany for the Euros have been warned about major driving laws and regulations.

Travel insurance comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk have researched the eight crucial driving differences in Germany, so Brits avoid being caught out on the road trip of a lifetime.

Over 2.7 million tickets will be available to the fans of participating teams and the general public, and it is estimated 800,000 British fans could head across the channel for the competition.

Fans planning to hire a vehicle to make the most of their trip have been warned to research the local driving laws and motoring etiquette.

Motorists risk penalties such as large fines, penalty points and even driving bans for breaking the law while in Germany.

Drivers need to be aware of the higher driving age, they must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to drive there legally.

Greg Wilson, CEO and motoring insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Excitement is building amongst football fans, with an estimated 800,000 Brits planning to travel overseas to watch the tournament.

“There will be venues over ten of the main regions of Germany, including Berlin, Frankfurt and Hamburg. Many fans will likely want to travel across the country to experience the tournament in the different cities and will be looking to hire a car to make the most of the trip.

“The tournament will be an incredible experience for football fans worldwide, but anyone choosing to drive while in Germany must be aware of the wide range of driving differences.

“Roads across Germany have varying speed limits and a high volume of speed cameras, so it’s crucial to stick to the speed limit and approach unfamiliar aspects with caution because travelling just 1km over the limit could result in a fine.

“Other important motoring rules to understand with the Euros commencing include the strict drink-drive limit which bans anyone under 21 driving with any alcohol in their system.”

Quotezone.co.uk’s six laws you must know before driving in Germany:

1.Driving on the correct side of the road

In Germany, drivers must remain on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left, a tricky change for Brits, especially if they’ve driven over in their own right-hand drive vehicle.

2.Road signs

German maximum speed limit signs are identical to those in the UK, the only difference being the limits are given in kilometres per hour rather than miles per hour. In extreme cases, ignoring road signs can lead to imprisonment. German roads also have a minimum speed limit – marked by blue round signs with the minimum speed displayed in white font.

3.Legal driving age

The legal driving age in Germany is slightly older than the UK at 18. Drivers need to check their itinerary beforehand as many countries have a different minimum driving age. In Germany, visitors must also be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive. It’s also sensible to check the age and requirements of hiring a car per country as there are variations in the restrictions.

4.Honking your horn

In Germany, drivers can only honk their horns if they or someone else is in immediate danger. Unnecessary or incorrect use of a horn can result in a fine, so visitors must avoid beeping their horns to celebrate football wins.

5.Be aware of speed limits

The German traffic code has strict regulations and high fines for drivers who exceed the speed limit, and they have plenty of speed cameras to monitor the roads. As a general rule of thumb, Germany has a speed limit of 50 km/h within built-up areas and 100 km/h outside built-up areas which is 31 and 62 mph respectively.

6.Drinking limits

Like most countries drunk driving is a traffic violation and will be seen as a criminal offence. However in Germany, the general limit for motorists is 0.5 % but drivers under 21 or with a new licence are not allowed any alcohol. Fines go from €500 to €1500.**

Quotezone.co.uk helps travellers find savings using travel insurance comparison, covering all sorts of travel insurance quotes such as European travel and backpacker travel insurance

Princes Street serious assault: Do you recognise this man?

Police have released an image of a man who may be able to assist officers with their investigation into a serious assault in Edinburgh on Sunday, 19 May 2024.

The incident happened around 3am on Princes Street, near to South Charlotte Street.

A 38-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment.

The man is described as white, around twenty to thirty-years-old, of slim build, with light hair. He was wearing a navy-blue polo neck, blue jeans, and black trainers with white soles.

He was carrying a maroon jumper around his shoulders.

DC Calum Turnbull of Gayfield Square CID, said: “We encourage this man, anyone who may recognise him, or anyone with information about this incident to get in touch.”

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference number 0665 of 19 May 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.